Posted on Monday, 24 October 2022

Diwali is a festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains.

Diwali is celebrated over five days, with this year, the festival starting on Monday 24 October.

It is one of the most vibrant religious festivals in the world.

People decorate their homes with garlands and small oil lamps called diyas, temples are alive with holy rituals, and in India, fireworks and firecrackers are let off as night falls.

Here are five incredible places you can experience this most unique of festivals…

 

Varanasi, India

Dazzling, bustling, unforgettable... Varanasi, on the banks of the legendary Ganges River, is amazing to visit any time of year, but particularly so during the Diwali festival.

Begin by exploring the thriving bazaars selling everything from sweets to clothes, and marvel as the peaceful cows move among the locals almost unnoticed.

If you're not quite up for a dip in the Ganges, why not take a sunset boat trip and admire the flickering lamps as religious rites and chants take place on the riverbank.

You can even enjoy a horse ride on the sand banks or try your hand at jet skiing or parasailing.

As the spiritual heart of India, Varanasi is consumed by Diwali each year, where celebrations culminate in an incredible firecracker display.

If you have time, stay in the city for Diwali of Gods or Dev Deepavali, part of the Ganga Mahotsav Festival.

 

Accommodation in Varanasi for Diwali

Understandably, hotels can fill up quickly during this period, so you'll need to act fast. While you may be able to find a simple guest house for as little as £5 in normal times, they may get booked up by locals during Diwali.

Higher end hotels range from £30 to £100 per night, although this being India, you can grab an amazing bargain if you hunt around.

Given the intensity of Diwali and Varanasi in general, you would be well advised to pay a little more so you can relax and unwind in style and comfort.

 

How much does a trip to Varanasi cost?

While flying to India can be costly, you can make big savings on food and accommodation - meaning a two-week Indian adventure could cost the same as, or less than, a fortnight on mainland Europe!

Visas cost £39.95 and are valid for 180 days.

 

Dubai, UAE

If you want a taste of Diwali with all the comforts of the West, head to Dubai.

Since thousands of Indians now call Dubai their home, you can expect a number of events across the Emirate, including a vast fireworks display on the day of Diwali.

You won’t see people setting off fireworks in the street (as is guaranteed in India), a key reason why Diwali is a far more relaxed affair in Dubai.

A vast array of Diwali-related items are available to buy during this period, so you can take back an authentic souvenir of your visit.

 

What else is there to do in Dubai?

Aside from Diwali, Dubai offers a thrilling choice of things to do, from yacht tours to sand quad biking.

You can also ascend the Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world) or go shopping in the city's many glittering shopping malls.

 

How much does accommodation cost in Dubai?

Despite the astonishing wealth on display in Dubai, you can still find a reasonably priced hotel.

At time of writing, a clean and simple room costs from £50 per night during Diwali, rising considerably for more opulent accommodation.

But even well-reviewed four-star hotels are half the price of their London counterparts.

If you're on a budget, you might consider a dorm bed in a boutique hostel - they are often the same price as a budget hotel but tend to get much better reviews.

British passport holders can enter Dubai for free (a tourist visa is issued on arrival - no advance application is required).

Find out more about holidaying in Dubai

 

Singapore

Like Dubai, Singapore is home to a large Indian population, so you can expect Diwali to be celebrated with gusto.

Most of the celebrations focus on Little India, where visitors can enjoy Diwali lights, decorations - and of course fireworks.

Lovers of Indian cuisine will be well rewarded by a trip to Singapore, with Indian restaurants dotted across the city.

For affordable eats, head to one of the many food courts (often located at the base of shopping malls) where Indian stalls are always found, alongside a myriad of other international foods.

Special dishes are made during Diwali, including rich puris, festive dals and delectable puddings.

 

What else is there to do in Singapore?

Alongside the festivities, there's plenty to see and do in Singapore, including Universal Studio, the Marina Bay Sands complex, Sentosa, Gardens by the Bay and Singapore Zoo.

Shopaholics, meanwhile, will adore Orchard Road and the many vast shopping malls across the island state.

 

How much does accommodation cost in Singapore?

As one of the world's most expensive cities, it's little wonder a basic hotel room starts at around £70 per night.

A well-reviewed three-star costs from £130 per night, rising to £200+ for something more luxurious.

But budget travellers need not worry - dorm beds in well-reviewed hostels start at £50 per night.

What's more, the low-cost food courts and cheap metro system mean you can still enjoy the Lion City without breaking the bank.

 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur - or KL as the locals call it - is also home to a large Indian population.

As such, you can expect plenty of celebrations around Diwali (actually known as Hari Diwali in Malaysia, the South Indian name for the festival).

Hari Diwali is celebrated in Indian communities across Malaysia, but the biggest and brightest events are in the capital.

Note that firecrackers and fireworks are banned in Malaysia, so you won’t get any frights during the festive period!

A federal public holiday is observed nationwide, except in Sarawak and Labuan.

 

Best places to visit in Kuala Lumpa during Diwali

Be sure to visit the beautiful Sri Mahamariamman and Sri Kandaswamy Temples (in Little India), which are lit up during the festivities and are where holy rituals take place.

KL is home to some fabulous Indian restaurants, and Hari Diwali is sure to see some special dishes placed on menus.

Although Indian food here is not quite as cheap as India itself, it's still great value.

Because Malaysian Indians treasure their culture and language, a visit to KL's Little India feels much like being in the mother country - although a little less chaotic!

 

How much does accommodation cost in Kuala Lumpa?

Simple guest houses cost as little as £10 per night, with some well-reviewed mid-rangers costing from £20 per night. However, pay £50+ per night and you could bag yourself a much more luxurious hotel room, often with things like pool and gym access.

Of course, much more costly options are available.

KL is somewhat unique in that it feels like a modern metropolis, but with emerging-economy prices.

 

Kathmandu, Nepal

The Nepalese capital is so frantic and thrilling you'd think there was a festival on all year round. But Tihir - the equivalent to Diwali in Nepal - makes the city even more exciting to visit.

This is despite the fact fireworks and firecrackers are not permitted in the Himalayan country.

Tihir differs from India's Diwali in that it celebrates the four creatures associated with the Hindu god of death, Yama.

Homes are decorated with marigold garlands and lights, and on the third day, cows (sacred in the Hindu religion) are fed treats and girls go around neighbourhoods singing and dancing in a tradition called bhailo.

 

When is Tihir in 2022?

Tihir takes place on October 24 this year - the same as other Diwali celebrations.

 

How much does accommodation cost in Kathmandu?

Luxurious hotels are available for as little as £40 per night, with much cheaper guest house options on offer for budget-conscious visitors.

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