5 Stays That Bring India’s Festive Traditions to Life

What if Diwali was more than a night of diyas and festive dinners? Across India, the festival takes on a different character in every region, from Ayodhya’s Deepotsav to Goa’s Narkasur celebrations. These five stays from Ayodhyam in Ayodhya and BrijRama Palace in Varanasi to The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur, put travellers close to the traditions, with distinctive settings that make the festive getaway worth planning.

Ayodhya’s Deepotsav commemorates the return of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana after 14 years of exile. The city’s riverfront and temples are illuminated with rows of earthen lamps, while the celebrations include the Sarayu Aarti and cultural performances based on the Ramayana. Ram Ki Paidi is among the key locations to visit as the lamps are lit along the river.

Ayodhyam, Ayodhya – IHCL SeleQtions draws on the city’s spiritual heritage through its contemporary design. The 162-room property, including four suites, features light-filled interiors, marble and wood accents, and artwork inspired by forests, rivers and epics. Its dining restaurant, Divyam, serves a menu rooted in regional culinary traditions. The hotel also offers curated experiences, including morning aartis, storytelling sessions with kathavachaks and guided spiritual trails along the Sarayu.

Varanasi’s Dev Deepawali takes place on Kartik Purnima, around a fortnight after Diwali. The festival is associated with the belief that the gods descend to Kashi to celebrate Lord Shiva’s victory over Tripurasura. The ghats along the Ganga are illuminated with diyas, while priests perform aartis along the riverfront. A boat ride offers a view of the illuminated ghats from the water.

Set above Darbhanga Ghat, BrijRama Palace is a heritage hotel housed in a historic palace. Its riverfront location places guests close to Varanasi’s ghats and temples, while its architecture reflects the city’s history. Access to the property is often by boat, and the hotel can help arrange local experiences. During Dev Deepawali, guests should plan transport and access in advance, as the riverfront draws large crowds.

In Jaipur, Diwali is closely linked to prosperity and the city’s trading traditions. Dhanteras marks the beginning of the festivities, with families and businesses buying gold, silver, jewellery and utensils. Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar become busy with shoppers, while homes and storefronts are decorated with lights, flowers and rangolis. On Diwali night, families perform Lakshmi Puja, with some business communities observing Chopda Pujan, the worship of account books.

Spread across 32 acres, The Oberoi Rajvilas is designed around traditional Rajasthani architecture. The property features landscaped gardens, courtyards and reflection pools, alongside luxury tents inspired by the era of the Maharajas. Guests can arrange cultural experiences and visits to Jaipur’s markets, while the hotel’s setting outside the city centre offers a quieter retreat after a day exploring the festive bazaars.

In Amritsar, Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, commemorating the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib, the sixth Sikh Guru, from imprisonment. Sikh tradition holds that the Guru secured the release of 52 other princes as well. The Golden Temple is illuminated with lamps and decorative lights, with its golden façade reflected in the Amrit Sarovar. Visitors can listen to Gurbani kirtan, observe prayers and experience langar, the community kitchen that serves meals to all.

Located around 3.5 kilometres from Sri Harmandir Sahib, Courtyard by Marriott Amritsar offers contemporary rooms and convenient access to the city’s landmarks. The hotel features Punjabi dining, Vue Lounge with city views and a rooftop pool. Its location makes it a practical base for visiting the Golden Temple during the festival, when the main celebrations take place around the shrine.

Goa’s Diwali celebrations begin with Narak Chaturdashi, locally known as Narkasur. Communities create large effigies of Narakasura using materials such as bamboo, paper and cloth. The figures are displayed and paraded through neighbourhoods before being burnt, symbolising the victory of good over evil. The celebrations are community-led, with effigy displays and processions taking place across towns and villages.

Set on Benaulim Beach in South Goa, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa offers a coastal stay to pair with the region’s festive traditions. The property features landscaped grounds, villas and dining venues, with the beach providing a setting for time away from the celebrations. Travellers can visit local Narkasur events before returning to the resort, though processions take place in community spaces and timings vary by location.