One of the most celebrated and important Hindu festivals is Diwali. Diwali, very commonly known as Deepawali across India, is celebrated because it symbolises the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. The Diwali Celebration in Udaipur is marked by great pomp and enthusiasm. The city’s royal heritage, lakes, palaces and traditional culture add to the grandeur of the festival of lights.
1. Preparations for Diwali
Preparations for Diwali in Udaipur start a month before because the monsoon season just subsides, and there is a month or two in hand before Diwali arrives. Therefore, the governing authorities of Udaipur get to work a month before Diwali, which includes painting, trimming of trees and other city-related works. Even the residents of Udaipur start cleaning their homes a week before Diwali and decorating their homes with:
- Diyas (earthen lamps) and candles
- Rangolis (intricate designs using colored powders, flowers, or rice)
- Colourful LED lights and lanterns
- Torans (decorative door hangings made of beads, flowers, or metal)
The local sweet shops also start preparing Diwali special sweets such as laddoos, gujiyas, chaklis and namkeens. The streets and the neighbourhoods are cleaned and decorated to welcome prosperity.
2. Popular Shopping Areas for Diwali
Udaipur is a city famous for its traditional Rajasthani items and handicrafts. The markets during Diwali are filled with traditional Rajasthani items, festive decorations and local handicrafts. Here are the key shopping areas:
- Bapu Bazaar
- You can visit Bapu Bazaar for diyas, lanterns, colourful lights, and home décor.
- You can also shop for clothes, footwear, and Diwali sweets are also available.
- You will find the most vibrant atmosphere with street food and local artists.
- Hathi Pol Bazaar
- Hathi Pol Bazaar is tourists’ favourite place for handicrafts, traditional paintings, and souvenirs.
- Hathi Pol also has good shops for buying the traditional dress patterns, oxidised jewellery and other items.
- The shops there have handmade clay lamps, wall hangings, and brass items.
- Suraj Pol Market
- Excellent location in the city for buying festive wear, jewellery, and decorative items.
- The streets are adorned with colourful lights and paper lanterns.
- Bada Bazaar
- Bada Bazaar is also a location that provides clothing, jewellery, sweets and lights.
- Maldas Street
- Maldas Street is one of the oldest markets in Udaipur and serves as a location for handmade decorations and ethnic clothes.
- Clock Tower Area & Jagdish Chowk
- The Clock Tower Area and Jagdish Chowk are one of the oldest chowks in the city and are majorly famous for handmade candles, clay lamps and brass decor items.
- Shilpgram (near Rani Road, Fateh Sagar)
- It is a village-like setting where there are shops that operate all year round and have handicraft items like the eco-friendly handmade diyas, terracotta lamps and Rajasthani Handicrafts.
- Shilpgram is also an ideal location for buying unique and authentic gifts..
Tip: It is advisable to go on a shopping spree for Diwali well in advance because the markets start getting crowded closer to Diwali.
3. City Decorations and Attractions
Udaipur is popular for its lights and decorations during Diwali:
- City Palace: The City Palace is illuminated with thousands of lamps, creating a fairy-tale ambience.
- Lake Pichola: Lake Pichola is just adjacent to the City Palace; therefore, diyas and lights from palaces, ghats, and boats reflect beautifully on the water.
- Fateh Sagar Lake: Fateh Sagar is also beautified with lights, and the panoramic views of the surrounding enhance the beauty of the place.
- Jagdish Temple & Gangaur Ghat: Diwali is celebrated with a lot of energy and enthusiasm in Udaipur. You will find the most beautiful and worshipped Jagdish Temple, adorned with beautiful lighting, and the Gangaur Ghat is also decorated with lights for the visitors to enjoy the fireworks during Diwali.
Special Experience: The night-time boat rides on Lake Pichola offer a mesmerising view of the illuminated City Palace, Jag Mandir and Lake Pichola hotels. You can enjoy this boat ride only when you have booked yourself a dinner or stay at the hotels situated on Lake Pichola.
4. Cultural Events and Festivities
In Udaipur, Diwali is not celebrated by lights; each celebration during Diwali is about the culture and community of the city and its tradition:
- Lakshmi Puja: The locals and the residents of Udaipur worship and pray to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for prosperity and wealth.
- Fireworks Display: You can enjoy the beautiful and grand fireworks at Lake Pichola near the Gangaur Ghat and the other public areas.
- Deepawali Melas (Fairs):
- Folk music and dance performances
- Rajasthani handicraft stalls
- Local food stalls offering traditional Diwali delicacies
These fairs bring the locals and the tourists together, helping to create a festive and communal atmosphere.
5. Traditional Food During Diwali
The Diwali celebration in Udaipur is incomplete without the authentic Rajasthani sweets and snacks:
- Gujiyas: Sweet dumplings filled with khoya and dry fruits.
- Laddoos: Made from gram flour, sugar, and ghee.
- Chaklis & Mathris: Crispy savoury snacks.
- Dal Baati Churma: A Special Rajasthani dish often served during festive gatherings.
6. Eco-Friendly Celebrations
In recent years, the locals of Udaipur have been growing their interest towards celebrating eco-friendly and eco-conscious Diwali celebrations in Udaipur.
- Using earthen diyas instead of plastic lamps
- Reducing the use of loud firecrackers to mini the pollution
- Promoting handmade decorative items to support local artisans
All of these practices help in celebrating the tradition while also protecting the environment.
7. Tourist Tips for Diwali in Udaipur
- Best Time to Visit: A few days before Diwali or during Diwali.
- Stay: Choose hotels near Lake Pichola, City Palace or Fateh Sagar for the best views.
- Shopping: Explore Bapu Bazaar, Hathi Pol, and Shilpgram for gifts and decorations.
- Activities: Take a boat ride on Lake Pichola and attend local Diwali fairs.
- Safety Tip: Be cautious with firecrackers and crowded markets.
Conclusion
Diwali is celebrated in Udaipur with all the royal elegance and enthusiasm of the residents. The city is beautifully adorned with colourful lights, and every chowk of Udaipur is decorated with elaborate lighting and decorations. The presence of royal palaces, sparkling lakes and the vibrant markets creates a magical experience for locals and tourists. Right from shopping in the bustling bazaars to witnessing the fireworks over Lake Pichola, Diwali in Udaipur is truly an example of the presence of India’s rich cultural heritage.