Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of India’s biggest and most widely celebrated festivals. From spectacular diyas and fireworks to grand religious ceremonies, markets, and cultural events, different parts of India celebrate Diwali in their own unique ways.
While there is no official ranking of states by the “largest Diwali celebration,” these 10 states are among the most prominent destinations for experiencing Diwali on a grand scale.
1. Uttar Pradesh – Ayodhya’s Grand Deepotsav
Uttar Pradesh is arguably one of the most spectacular places to experience Diwali. Ayodhya has become internationally known for its massive Deepotsav celebrations, when millions of diyas illuminate the banks of the Saryu River and the historic city.
Varanasi, Lucknow, Mathura, and other cities also celebrate Diwali with elaborate decorations, religious ceremonies, and illuminated streets.
2. Maharashtra – Mumbai’s Grand Diwali Festivities
Maharashtra celebrates Diwali with a mixture of religious traditions, family gatherings, shopping, and public celebrations. Mumbai and Pune are particularly vibrant during the festival.
The state also has a distinctive tradition called Diwali Padwa, which marks the beginning of the traditional New Year for many communities.
3. Gujarat – Diwali and the Gujarati New Year
Diwali is one of the most important festivals in Gujarat. Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and other cities are decorated with lights and colourful displays.
For many Gujaratis, the celebrations continue into Bestu Varas, the Gujarati New Year, making the festival period especially significant for families and businesses.
4. West Bengal – Diwali and Kali Puja
West Bengal has one of India’s most distinctive Diwali traditions. In many parts of the state, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja, dedicated to Goddess Kali.
Kolkata becomes especially vibrant, with spectacular Kali Puja pandals, illuminated streets, artistic decorations, and thousands of devotees visiting temples and pandals.
5. Rajasthan – The Royal Festival of Lights
Rajasthan gives Diwali a spectacular visual character. Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and other cities illuminate palaces, markets, homes, and streets.
The combination of traditional architecture, colourful markets and decorative lighting makes Rajasthan one of India’s most visually impressive Diwali destinations.
6. Bihar – Traditional Diwali Celebrations
Diwali is celebrated enthusiastically across Bihar, particularly in cities such as Patna and Gaya.
Homes and temples are decorated with diyas and rangoli, while families perform Lakshmi Puja and celebrate together. The festival also has strong connections with local traditions and communities.
7. Madhya Pradesh – Lights, Markets and Temples
Madhya Pradesh celebrates Diwali with traditional rituals, decorated homes, illuminated markets, and temple festivities.
Indore, Bhopal, Ujjain, and other cities become particularly lively during the festival season.
8. Tamil Nadu – Deepavali Celebrations
In Tamil Nadu, the festival is commonly known as Deepavali and is celebrated with distinctive regional customs.
Families traditionally begin the day early, wear new clothes, prepare special food and sweets, and participate in religious ceremonies. Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore are among the major cities where the festival is widely celebrated.
9. Karnataka – Deepavali Across the State
Karnataka celebrates Deepavali with traditional family rituals, oil baths, new clothes, sweets, lamps, and decorations.
Bengaluru and Mysuru become particularly vibrant during the festival season, with homes, commercial areas and public spaces decorated with lights.
10. Andhra Pradesh – Traditional Deepavali Festivities
Andhra Pradesh celebrates Deepavali with colourful decorations, diyas, fireworks, sweets, and family gatherings.
Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, and other cities see extensive celebrations during the festival period.
🪔 India’s Diwali Diversity
What makes Diwali special is that there isn’t just one way to celebrate it. The festival changes dramatically from state to state.
In Uttar Pradesh, Ayodhya’s Deepotsav creates a spectacular sea of diyas. In West Bengal, Kali Puja becomes the centrepiece of the festivities. Gujarat combines Diwali with its New Year celebrations, while Maharashtra observes traditions such as Diwali Padwa.
From royal palaces in Rajasthan to illuminated ghats in Uttar Pradesh, Diwali showcases India’s extraordinary cultural diversity.
Quick Ranking
- 🇮🇳 Uttar Pradesh – Ayodhya Deepotsav
- 🪔 Maharashtra – Mumbai & Diwali Padwa
- ✨ Gujarat – Diwali & Gujarati New Year
- 🖤 West Bengal – Kali Puja
- 🏰 Rajasthan – Royal Diwali
- 🪔 Bihar – Traditional celebrations
- 🌟 Madhya Pradesh – Indore & Ujjain
- 🎆 Tamil Nadu – Deepavali
- 🪔 Karnataka – Bengaluru & Mysuru
- ✨ Andhra Pradesh – Traditional Deepavali
Note: This list is a general cultural ranking, not an official statistical ranking. Diwali is celebrated across India, and the scale and traditions vary significantly between regions.