As the season of India’s most celebrated festivities nears, the whole country’s population anticipates the very best and the biggest of them all, one which is celebrated through the length and breadth of a country as diverse as ours — Diwali. Here’s a glimpse of Delhi‘s Diwali. By Shubhanjana Das
Houses will light up with earthen lamps as the whole family comes together to make some of the best sweets that you will taste in your life. Shopping, exchanging gifts, eating without guilt, spending all your time with loved ones – Diwali comes with all these and more. The capital city turns into a huge open-air fair bigger than any American state fair you will ever witnessed. So, if you are in the capital during Diwali, buckle up for you are going to have some of the best time of your life as you experience the absolute showstopper Diwali celebration in all of the country.
1. Attend A Family Puja
During Diwali, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshiped in every Hindu household for prosperity. Even though you can witness this puja in any of the bigger temples in the city, attending a family puja is just special, intimate, and warming — basically everything that makes Diwali special. Moreover, the handmade sweets and the platter of delicious food come with the flavour of ghar ka khana, which is absolutely inimitable.
2. Langar At Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
If you have ever tried langar before, you will know that every Gurudwara makes it in its own special way which, nonetheless, turns out to be absolutely delicious. However, during Diwali, the only address you should have in mind for langar is Gurudwara Bangla Sahib when it coincides with the Sikh festival of Bandi Chhor Diwas. The reason for the festive buzz in the Gurudwaras throughout Delhi is that Bandi Chhor Diwas commemorates the day of Guru Hargobind’s freedom from Mughal prison, which was celebrated in Amritsar with fire crackers and lighting up the homes as well as the Golden Temple.
3. Visit The Dastkar Nature Bazaar Festival Of Lights
If you’re not from Delhi and visiting the city during Diwali, you can’t go away without some shopping, can you? At Dastkaar bazaar, you will find fabrics, textiles, weaves, and embroidery from all over India. Pottery and paintings along with other forms of art are also on the line along with cultural performances from different regions of India.
4. Experience Chandni Chowk
Old Delhi’s charm throughout the year is something that visitors cannot help but get intrigued by. You can love it or hate it, but there’s no way you can avoid it. During Diwali, you will find hoards of foodies lining up outside their favourite stalls/restaurants for food that you can find only in Chandni Chowk. Daulat ki chaat and jalebi, paranthas from Paranthe Wali Gali, and what not! But, if you wish to buy something golden or silver for Dhanteras, Chandni Chowk is still the place for you. Head to Dariba Kalan where you will find everything from silver coins to brass utensils. At Kinari Bazar, take your shopping a step ahead by indulging in some bling. If you wish to stay in peace amidst the chaos, there’s no place better than Haveli Dharampura, a restored 1887 mansion, which overlooks Jama Masjid, Lal Mandir, and Red Fort.
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