Celebrating Diwali in India

Note: This post has been updated on May 10, 2022.

In addition to all of the sightseeing around India (see my previous posts), we were also there for a very special time of year (Diwali), as well as to spend time with family, doing more local activities.

Diwali

To read about Diwali, click here.  Now that you have the background, we did see so many lights on every building, as well as the colored sand art, and lit Diyas! It’s like Christmas and New Year’s wrapped into one.

We also were a part of the prayers in the family home, along with the dinner (all meals that day are meatless).  To learn about a new religion, the importance/meaning of their prayers, as well as being a part of the rituals, were very meaningful to me.  It allowed me an opportunity to be fully immersed into their culture, which I love!

BUT, hands-down, the most incredible part of Diwali were the parties.  In much of Delhi, the wealthy take turns throwing opulent parties in the weeks leading up to Diwali, as well as on Diwali itself.  We were fortunate to tag along to a couple of the best parties I have ever been to.  The traditional couture outfits and large jewels were brought out of their closets and bank safes; magnificent mansions and compounds were transformed into chic party atmospheres; top DJs in India were spinning a mix of Global EDM and Punjabi (with people dancing everywhere); cards were being played; and the food from some of the most notable restaurants in Delhi, were absolutely incredible.  These parties ranged from 100-2,000 people.