Experience Diwali: Celebrate with a Local Indian Family in Delhi

Diwali is considered one of the world's oldest religious festivals. It signifies victory of light over darkness and good over evil, when Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana, and Hindu residents illuminated their village to welcome him home on a moonless night.

The day before, called Small Diwali, people decorate their homes with clay lamps, or diyas. For the Festival of Lights, it is also considered auspicious to purchase new clothes, offer prayers and light firecrackers.

After hotel pickup in the late afternoon, head to the home of a local family and experience a traditional welcome with a beverage. Learn about Diwali’s history and its associated festivities as you sip chai tea and enjoy light Indian snacks.

Later visit a local market to experience the hustle and bustle of festive shopping. Experience aarti / pooja (prayers) at a local temple.

Powdered colors are poured on the floor to create intricate designs called rangoli, and women and girls can pay to have the palms of their hands decorated with henna in traditional Indian design patterns (see Additional Info for more details). You also get to light earthen lamps & candles.

For dinner, your host family shares an authentic Indian feast of dishes accompanied by rice, Indian bread, salad, curd, pickle and desserts with your small group. Since it is an auspicious day, dishes are vegetarian only. When darkness falls, watch a fireworks / paper lanterns display illuminate Delhi’s skyline and join the celebration as locals light firecrackers in the streets.

Return to your Delhi satisfied by Indian food and the memories of the joyous occasion.