Diwali celebrations 2019: From Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Lucknow to Ahmedabad, here are the best places to eat and shop

Diwali is celebrated with great pomp and splendour in India. The Festival of Lights, as Diwali is aptly described, unites the entire country in a joyous occasion. Diwali is celebrated in a special way in several cities that truly justifies it being called the  'festival of lights'. During the celebrations thousands of small oil lamps, bulbs, candles are lighted in nearly all the homes and in other institutional buildings. So, in case you are not celebrating Diwali in your home town this year, then you must read about the celebrations in these top Indian cities. From best places to eat, travel and shop, here is how various top cities in India celebrate Diwali:

Delhi

Diwali markets and fairs take place all over Delhi during the festive season. In fact, Dilli Haat at INA holds a renowned Diwali Bazaar in the lead-up to the festival. If you're interested in unique or unusual handicrafts, don't miss the annual Dastkar Festival of Lights Diwali Mela. The Diwali carnival at Delhi's upmarket Sundar Nagar neighborhood has been running for more than 50 years and has amusement rides. The Blind School holds a huge annual Diwali Mela too. It takes place on Lodhi Road near the Oberoi Hotel. For all your Diwali decorating needs, head to Matka Market in south Delhi. You'll find an astonishing array of colorful clay diyas and pots there.

Mumbai

Marine Drive, affectionately known as the Queen's Necklace, provides an evocative backdrop for Diwali fireworks in Mumbai. The city's residents flock there to enjoy the atmosphere and watch the dazzling fireworks throughout the night reflected in the bay. For the best experience, book yourself into one of the hotels along Marine Drive such as the InterContinental, Marine Plaza or West End Hotel. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus train station is also decked up with Diwali-themed lighting.

Lucknow

Lucknow is a city of Nawabs, especially popular for non-vegetarian food. Diwali is celebrated with huge enthusiasm here. If you are in Lucknow this year, do visit the Diamond Dairy in the Army Cantonment area to enjoy the kite festival too. You can also visit DAV Inter College to shop for eco-friendly firecrackers at the cheapest rates. Lucknow is full of sparkling lights and diyas on the day, you can enjoy beautiful scenes at Vidhan Sabha, Hotel Taj Vivanta and other popular markets of the city. Also if you are a foodie, you must visit Old Lucknow for every kind of cuisine that will delight you to the core.

Kolkata

People of Kolkata celebrate Diwali with joy and fervour. While North Indians perform Lakshmi Puja on the auspicious occasion of Diwali, in West Bengal they perform Kaali Pujan on Diwali. For the foodies, trying out Bengali cuisine, in all its forms, will be an unforgettable experience. The delight is unending. Then you must visit Firinghi Kalibari on B.B. Ganguly Street in Bowbazar. Places like Lake Kalibari, Girish Chandra Dey & Nakur Chandra Nandy, Amrita, K.C. Das are few popular sweet houses in the city. While New Market and Chowringhee Road, Sudder Street is a hub to shop for your favorite things in the city.

Ahmedabad

Gujarat is known for its Diwali celebrations, and in cities, it is Ahmadabad that stands out from the rest. From dazzling lights to wonderfully entertaining cultural programs, the city sees heavy footfall during the festival of lights. If you are fond of snacks, fast food, and a variety of dishes from all over the state, you must visit the popular Manek Chowk. Non-veg lovers can go to Bhatiyar Gali to enjoy their favorite dishes. For shopping, you can go to Law Garden Night Market, Himalaya mall, Ahmedabad One Mall to buy gifts and other local items.

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