Though several festivals are celebrated in India, the Festival of lights, Diwali is everyone’s favorite because of its fun factor and the cheer it brings to people’s lives. Diwali is when India is at its brightest. A trip to India for Diwali can be an incredible experience. Mumbai, with its love for fun, is one of the best cities to be in to experience the best of festive joy during Diwali. In 2012, Diwali will be celebrated on Nov 11th to 14th.

What does Diwali signify?
Diwali marks the victory of good over evil and this triumph is celebrated by lighting lamps, bursting crackers and rejoicing. Different states have different reasons to celebrate this festival, but all Indians are united in the festive spirit with which it is celebrated.

The people of Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra celebrate Diwali for 4 days, starting with Vasubaras, the worship of cow and ending with bhaubeej to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on the third day, a no moon day; she is considered Goddess of Wealth and pleasing her on this auspicious day is said to bring wealth to the household.

A Diwali Holiday in Mumbai: What to do?

• A month before Diwali, markets and shop wear a festive look. Shopkeepers compete with each other in decorating their shops and offering “festival discounts. Buy Indian handicrafts, clothes, jewelry and souvenirs before Diwali. This is a good time to shop in Mumbai if you don’t mind the crowds
• A little before Diwali, sweet stalls start their festival preparations. The aroma of sweets fried in clarified butter fill the air; just step into a sweetshop and request samples of different sweets before you decide which one to buy.
• Once the festival starts, houses are decorated with colorful Rangolis; lovely designs drawn on the entrance with colorful powders. People wake up before sunrise for their Diwali oil bath, temples get crowded with devotees and the bursting of fireworks start. Try to book a homestay in Mumbai to experience the festival firsthand with an Indian family. Light diyas and try your hand at bursting crackers.
• Diwali is a time for family and friends; so lots of Diwali parties and colony get-togethers are hosted for this festival. Stroll across the Marine Drive, one of the most happening places for Diwali celebrations. Lots of people get together and burst crackers.
• Hotels also offer special packages for Diwali. For instance, you can book a Diwali package in the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai to get a lovely Diwali holiday experience in Mumbai. When you book your flights to Mumbai for Diwali, make sure you also book your hotel because lots of people travel to India to see the festival of lights.
• Temples in Mumbai can get very crowded on the day of Lakshmi Puja, but a temple visit is a nice experience to capture the spirit of the festival. If you wish to avoid the crowds, visit temples the day before or after Diwali.
• The holiday mood can be seen in restaurants and pubs in Mumbai too. While special buffets and food carnivals are organized in restaurants, Mumbai’s happening nightlife has its own way of celebrating Diwali with late night parties. Reserve a table for dinner at a rooftop restaurant and watch the crackers light up the city.

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