Diwali, the great festival of lights, enthusiasm and faith, is celebrated with great enthusiasm in India. When it comes to the cultural grandeur of this holy festival and refreshing the memories of Tretayug, the name of Uttar Pradesh first comes to mind. Celebration of Diwali in Uttar Pradesh is not limited to just lighting lamps in homes, but many cities here have a special identity in the whole world due to their unique traditions, grand events and historical importance. From Ayodhya, the city of Lord Shri Ram, to the spiritual city of Varanasi situated in the lap of Mother Ganga and the cultural land of Braj, there are many cities of UP where the spectacle of the festival of lights is worth seeing. If you also want to experience the cultural beauty and festive colors of Uttar Pradesh this Diwali or the upcoming tourist season, then you must visit these selected cities of the state, which will make your journey memorable forever. #1. Ayodhya: Grand festival of lights and the supernatural shade of millions of lamps on the banks of Saryu. Diwali cannot be imagined without the city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. Being the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram, the festival of Diwali is celebrated every year in Ayodhya as a historical and global festival. In recent years, after the construction of the grand Ram temple, the festival of lights here has become more grand. Lakhs of earthen lamps are lit at Ram Ki Paidi and various ghats situated on the banks of river Saryu, due to which the banks of the river start shining like gold throughout the night. Laser shows, cultural programs, and staging of traditional Ramlilas make the atmosphere of this city completely spiritual and Ram-filled. If you want to see the real and mythological form of Diwali, then traveling to Ayodhya will prove to be the best experience for you. #1. Varanasi: The supernatural festival of lights and the view of Ganga Ghats in Kashi, the city of salvation. Diwali celebration is at a different level in Varanasi, the ancient capital of religion, spirituality and culture. When thousands and lakhs of lamps are lit on the crescent-shaped ghats of Ganga and a grand Ganga Aarti is organised, the eyes are dazzled by the sight. However, apart from the main day of Diwali, the Dev Deepawali (which falls about a fortnight after Diwali) is famous all over the world, in which innumerable lamps are lit on the steps of the ghats. From narrow streets to ancient temples, the whole of Kashi appears bathed in light. Watching the twinkling lamps on the ghats of Ganga while riding a boat is a very mesmerizing and peaceful experience for the tourists. #1. Mathura and Vrindavan: Unique and traditional Diwali of Braj in the city of Lord Krishna. Braj land i.e. the region of Mathura, Vrindavan and Govardhan is known for its unique cultural traditions. On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, Banke Bihari Temple, ISKCON Temple and all the major temples are decorated in a very grand manner. Here special festivals of Annakoot and Govardhan Puja start even before Diwali, in which devotees from all over the country and abroad come to participate. The resonating bhajans in the streets of Braj, the traditional Raslila and the special decorations in the temples mesmerize the tourists. If you want to see Diwali filled with traditional joy and devotion to Lord Krishna, away from the modern glitz, then definitely head to Mathura-Vrindavan. #1. Gorakhpur and Prayagraj: Unique beauty of Diwali on Sangam bank and Gorakshpeeth. Gorakhpur, the major center of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Sangam city Prayagraj are also not behind in the matter of Diwali celebration. The festival of Diwali is celebrated in a very traditional and ritualistic manner in the famous Gorakhnath temple located in Gorakhpur, where Goraksha Peeshath has its own cultural dignity. On the other hand, Deepotsav is celebrated in a grand manner by lighting lamps on the banks of Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj and in the Kumbh Mela areas. The splendor of traditional sweets, lamps and fireworks seen in the local markets of these cities reveals the real face of the folk culture of Uttar Pradesh.
