Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, is one of the biggest holidays celebrated in India. As the purpose behind Diwali is to celebrate the victory of light over dark and welcome the Goddess Lakshmi, who is the main deity worshipped during this festival.
This 5-day Diwali holiday includes the use of many lights and glowing decorations for prosperity. The popular Diwali decorations include clay oil lamps called diyas, candles, fairy lights,rangoli, toran,marigold garlands and lanterns.

1. Diyas
A diya (pronounced dee-ya) is a small clay oil lamp and the main symbol of Diwali. Diyas are usually made of earth and have cotton wicks that sit in a pool of ghee or vegetable oil to help them burn. Many are sold plain but others can be painted with beautiful patterns and colors.
Diyas are such an important part of the holiday that its name is actually derived from these little lanterns. Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which means the row of lights. "Deep" is the Sanskrit word for diya and "avali" means row.

In Hinduism, diyas symbolizes knowledge and the choice of light over darkness. The lighting of the diyas is an important part of the celebrations and rituals of holiday and these lanterns can be seen in houses and lining streets throughout cities.
In the holy Hindu city of Varanasi, the streets and steps leading to the Ganges River are lit with more than a million diyas during Diwali.
2. Rangoli
A rangoli is a design that is made by hand and is created on the ground using colorful materials such as dyed rice, flour, sand, or flowers. The purpose of this decoration is to welcome visitors into the home. Creating the rangoli is often the job of the women of the household and the designs are passed down through families from one generation to the next.

Rangoli designs can be geometric, shaped like flowers, or even resemble deities. During Diwali, most rangolis also include lit diyas. The base of the design is often made from flour to which vermilion, turmeric, and other natural colors can be added to make the background. Once the background is complete, the design is slowly added over a period of 2 to 3 hours.
On Diwali, a rangoli is created at the entrance of homes to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi who is the main deity worshipped during this festival. The purpose of this decoration is to bring strength, kindness, and good luck to the household. The designs often reflect traditions, folklore, and practices that are unique to each region of India.
China Highlights, Asia Highlights, and Global Highlights collaborate to provide families and couples with personalized and stress-free experiences in diverse destinations.


![]() ![]() |
Great Experience
WOW! I’ve traveled Asia some & I must say Sharon & Asia Highlights made this trip so much more enjoyable and easy More
Stephen Hollis,
Aug 2023
|
Alisa has has been great to work with
Alisa with Asia Highlights has has been great to work with. Very friendly and responsive. More
Ana Rausch,
Aug 2023
|
Using Sharon right now to book our…
Using Sharon right now to book our upcoming trip to Thailand. She has booked everything that we asked for. Has answered all of my inquiries, which has been many! Looking forward to having a great girls trip in Thailand More
Tracy,
Aug 2023
|
Thailand, Singapore, Bali
In Thailand, Tanny and Nori(Suparp), were both incredible! They were both fun, funny, and full of knowledge and made sure we got the full experience. They went the extra mile and always made sure we had cold bottled water and towels to cleanse our hands. In Singapore, Nicole was an absolute gem. She was so kind and knowledgeable and guided us in the right direction to make our day as enjoyable as possible. She helped us choose a top notch local lunch and coffee spot in China Town and taught us so much about the country! In Bali, Emon was an absolute joy. He was very knowledgeable and kind and absolutely made sure we were feeling comfortable and was willing to be flexible with us. He was fun to converse with and made our time traveling between destinations so enjoyable! I cannot recommend Asia Highlights enough! Accommodations, travel arrangements and guided tours were all a breeze. More
Cassi Thunker,
Jul 2023
|
Very supportive
Very supportive ! I have received eticket for Sky Lattern Festival very fast More
Chi?n Nguy?n Ng?c,
Jul 2023
|
My experience in Chang Mai with Asia Highlights
I greatly enjoyed my experience with Asia Highlights for a trip I booked to Thailand.All of my interests were catered too. My guide in Chang Mai Gemma was excellent.I truly felt the soul of Thailand culture and Buddhism. More
Richard,
Jul 2023
|
A pleasure to plan with
Well, this has been a painless and pleasurable process to find such a wonderful company. I had specific dates and places to be and Sharon worked with me diligently to refine the schedule and costs to suit my travel needs and budget. She informed me of a special tour on the dates I am to be in Thailand and I added that to my previous plans. More
Chris Williams,
Jul 2023
|
Large multi-generational holiday in Thailand
The holiday was wonderful. Our guides, Mr Monchai (Bangkok), and Ms Tipagorn (Tippy) (Chiang Mai) were exceptional. Travelling in a large multigenerational group with many children requires patience and our guides truly understood that. Mr Monchai and Ms Tippy shared their extensive knowledge of the many wonderful places we visited, and were flexible to take us to additional places along the way based on discussions. While everyday was busy, having them greet us with patience and a smile truly made this a memorable holiday. The hotels we stayed at were equally wonderful and went above and beyond to celebrate not only my parents 50th anniversary but also celebrate 2 milestone birthdays that occurred. We will cherish this holiday for many years to come. We hope to use Asia Highlights again. More
CL,
Jul 2023
|
I never used a travel agent in my life
I never used a travel agent in my life, but Sharon for Asia Highlights did a phenomenal job helping planning and coordination a family vacation. The best part of working with Sharon was that she maintained an open line of communication and provided answers to my question well within 12-24 hours. Additionally, Sharon was flexible and customized our vacation to my families needs. Overall great experience. More
Antione Barry,
Jul 2023
|
Great company to plan a trip to Southeast Asia!
Sharon Haung has been wonderful to work with! Very patient and accommodating. Responds immediately given time change and is prepared, prompt, and professional. More
Debi Hinerfeld,
Jul 2023
|
We took a 15 days trip (10 days Vietnam and 5 days Thailand …
It was an amazing experience the guides and drivers were there awaiting for us at each airoport for a transfer to the hotels also on time for all the tours all the guides were so lovely , very experienced and spoke very good English , one of the days on tour in Thailand I lost my phone in a temple in Bangkok mr chai went out of his way in a middle of thousands of visitors and managed to find an bring it back to me I found that amazing , also while on a trip I contacted Jason li out tour organizer few time via whatup and he replied and helped on the spot I recommend asiahilights 150% The quality of the service hotels the guides the drivers outstanding From start to finish ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ???? More
SIMO el ghobar,
Jun 2023
|
Wonderful Guides and Experience
Our large group arrived in Bangkok with Tanni as our guide. She was wonderful! An absolute joy to spend time with. She is knowledgeable, kind, and extremely funny. I don’t know what we would have done without her! After Bangkok, we traveled to Chang Mai, where Indy was our tour guide. She was a delight! She is kind, knowledgeable, and so patient. Our trip to Thailand was an adventure of a lifetime and these two women helped make it memorable. I would definitely use Asia Highlights for any future travel in Asia. More
Jessica Bennett,
Jun 2023
|
Guide - Chai
We travelled from Vietnam to Bangkok and were blessed to have a guide named Chai. He was a superb guide and it is a pity we couldn't bottle him and take him home. He was very knowledgeable and an absolute gentleman. He could not have done enough to facilitate us and imparted so much knowledge about the Temples, Buddism and the History of Thailand in general. Not only did he give us a great overview of the past and current ways of living in Thailand but I also feel I came away a much better person having interacting with him. I will carry many of his teachings with me for the rest of my life and know that having met him was a very special blessing in my life. More
Customer,
Jun 2023
|
Our guide Tanni was kind
Our guide Tanni was kind, knowledgeable, funny and beyond accommodating for our group. We felt like we'd made a friend and it enhanced our trip in the most positive way. Everything was coordinated perfectly which is not easy to do in a large traveling group. Excellent experience! More
Marissa Manson,
Jun 2023
|
We are only on day 5 of our 15 day trip…
Our first stop so far was in Hanoi where our guide Trong was just so awesome! He shared about his culture and family life which showing us sites through a city tour. He was so funny making lots of jokes and always made sure we were having fun while learning about everything! He checked on us frequently even when we were no longer with him since we then went on a cruise in Halong Bay! Halong Bay and the cruise on Paradise Elegance went way above anything I expected. The scenery was breathtaking, the ship was so beautiful and clean with such fresh, good food! And I can’t sing enough praise for the staff who took care of us- especially Anna and Belle! They went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed every aspect from eating meals with Anna to every other detail with Belle! I highly recommend Asian Highlights to help plan these extraordinary trips! This already has been a trip of a lifetime and we still have so much more to see all thanks to Cathy!! More
Diane Creitz,
Jun 2023
|
Tanni for the win!
14 of my closest friends and family descended upon Bangkok ready to see the town. Asia highlights and Tanni took us on a tour that changed our lives. We experienced so much everyday. Tanni was amazing! She did all the thinking for us, so we all could just be present and enjoy the moment. I can’t recommend this company, and especially Tanni enough. More
Megan McGlynn,
Jun 2023
|
This isn't my first trip with Asia…
This isn't my first trip with Asia Highlights. They are great at helping me plan, working my requests into the itinerary, and booking it all. We travel with friends and just got back from a trip to Thailand and Vietnam. Albee did a great job with all the details and we had a wonderful time. We will use them for our next adventure! More
Katie Potesta,
Jun 2023
|
Amazing service
Although we have not been our trip yet I wanted to still write a review based on customer service and the ease of booking. Alisa has been extremely prompt and responsive with planning our trip to Thailand. She has had great recommendations and guidance to add to our custom itinerary. Highly recommend using Asia highlights! -Alex More
Alex,
May 2023
|
I have never hear of this company…
I have never hear of this company before , and after reading all these reviews ,I decided to give it a try . The professionalism and communicative skill received by one of the agent , Sharon of Asia Highlights , convince me that She was the right travel agent for my trip in Asia . Very quickly she communicated with me and got all the detail of my desire vacation . Sharon made me a great itinerary with great experiences that I am dreaming to experience and I am looking forward to it . Thanks Sharon for been so great and crafting me a dream vacation with great suggestions. More
orge alvarez,
May 2023
|
Coco Yang worked tirelessly to…
From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. We enjoyed several days together touring Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. In Chiang Mai, Mr Ekachai took my son snd I on an amazing trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and to visit a community Lanna home, gardens and a hands-on cooking class preparing an authentic Thai meal. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! Thank you, Asia Highlight!! Debbie Woods More
Debbie Woods,
May 2023
|
3. Candles
One of the main focuses of Diwali is creating light during the main night of the holiday. Apart from the illumination of homes and businesses with lanterns and diyas, candles are also often used inside the home. Candles often burn for longer and can be safer than oil lanterns.
For Hindus, lighting candles in every nook and corner of the home symbolizes destroying the reign of darkness and ignorance. Around Diwali, special candles are sold throughout markets that are decorated with images of the deities such as Lakshmi and Ganesh.

Scented tea candles are very popular during Diwali as they are about the size of diyas and can burn for many hours. It is also common to see candles in the shape of roses, lotus flowers, and sunflowers.
4. String Lights
String lights, or Christmas lights, are the perfect modern Diwali decoration. Not everyone has the time and energy to decorate their homes with hundreds of candles or diyas and electric lights are also often safer and can be left on all night without worry.
During Diwali in India, it is common to see string lights decorating homes and markets as they are great for lighting up entire areas and creating a festive feeling. Certain markets such as the Khan Market in Delhi are particularly famous for their beautiful displays of string lights.

An elegant method of using electric lights for Diwali is to make fairy light curtains. This can be done by taping a few strands of lights above a window and letting them hang down in a row.
Jaipur is a particularly great place to go for the holiday because practically the entire city is decorated with colorful electric lights. The markets are especially beautifully decorated and the most popular ones to visit on Diwali include Johari Bazaar, Nehru Bazaar, and Bapu Bazaar.
- 8-Day Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Tour
- 9-Day India Golden Triangle with Tiger Safari
- 9-Day India Golden Triangle with Varanasi
5. Diwali Torans

Torans, also known as Bandanwals, are decorative door hangings that are used during Diwali and are usually placed at the main entrance of homes. The purpose of these decorations is to welcome guests and especially the goddess Lakshmi so that she can bless the family with good luck and wealth.
Torans are usually made from marigold flowers and mango leaves and may feature colors such as green, yellow, and red. They can are also sometimes made of cloth or metal that has been cut to resemble mango leaves.
Mango leaves or other leaves are usually used in Torans because they are thought to represent Lakshmi and keep out negative energy. The color green is also often chosen because of its calming nature and ability to rid the home of anxiety and stress.
6. Paper Lanterns
Lanterns are an essential part of Diwali celebrations and people across the country will hang them outside their houses during the holiday. Paper lanterns are the most common type of lanterns used on Diwali as they are the easiest to make at home.

A fun activity for families is to make lanterns together all you need to do so is sticks, colored paper, and glue.
If you aren't a crafty person or don't want to make one, then it is possible to buy paper lanterns in local markets or online. To spread the light over the holidays, you can also place a candle or diya inside the lantern to make it glow.
In some cities, there is a tradition of releasing flying lanterns into the sky on the night of Diwali. Releasing flying lanterns is a ritual meant to rid a person of bad energy and help them start a new and enlightened path towards righteousness.
- 9-Day Classic South India Tour
- 12-Day Historical and Idyllic South India Tour
- 7-Day Off the Beaten Path South India Tour
7. Marigold Garlands

Marigold flowers are sometimes called the 'Herb of the Sun' and they are known to have many benefits such as improving one's mood and warding off stress. In Hinduism, these orange and yellow flowers are considered auspicious especially for new beginnings and important life events.
Marigolds are commonly used in India during rituals and on religious occasions. The flowers are also commonly used as offerings to the gods Lakshmi and Ganesh.
During Diwali, both Ganesh and Lakshmi are worshipped and to honor the gods many people decorate their homes with marigold flowers or garlands. When in India for Diwali, you will likely see the flowers are hung on doorways or placed near entrances.
Where to Buy Diwali Decorations in India
Diwali markets are the best place for people to shop for holiday decorations. These markets are especially busy and alive during the holiday and sell all kinds of items including string lights, posters, lamps, diyas, and idols of gods and goddesses. The best Diwali markets are often said to be found in Delhi.
Chandni Chowk and Dilli Haat are especially great places to go. If you visit these areas near the time of the holiday, you'll find shops filled with aromatic candles, handicrafts, elegant traditional clothes, sweets, and beautiful gift boxes as well as plenty of decorations.
Visit India with Asia Highlights
Asia Highlights welcomes the chance to help you design your perfect trip to India. Check out the following links to learn more about our tours and get a head start on planning your hassle-free vacation today! Or contact our travel advisors to custom-made your India trip!
Why Travel with Asia Highlights (98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+)
- Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
- Hassle-free travel and peace of mind: Every aspect of your trip will be carefully planned and organized by your 1:1 travel consultant.
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.
- 11-Day Inida Highlights and Goa Honeymoon Trip
- Top South India Tours, Classic India Tour Packages
- 9-Day Classic South India Tour
- 12-Day Historical and Idyllic South India Tour
- 14-Day Romantic Honeymoon Trip in India
- Private India Tours, India Private Tour Packages
- 7-Day India Golden Triangle Tour
- 12-Day India and Bhutan Tour
- 10-Day India and Nepal Mini Group Tour for Xmas 2023
- Weather in India in January: Is It a Good Time to Visit? Where to Go
- Weather in February in India [2023]: Cold and Warm!
- Weather in India in March: Good for Travel or Not?
- Weather in India in April: Temperatures and Where to Go
- Weather in May in India [2023]: a Good Time to Go?
- Weather in India in June: the Monsoon Begins — OK to Travel?
- Weather in July in India [2023]: Too Wet to Travel?
- August Weather in India: Still Rainy? (5 Places to Go)
- Weather in September in India: Rainy or Not?
- Weather in India in October: Best Time for Pleasant Weather
- Weather in India in November — Dry Season Travel
- Weather in India in December: 7 Best Places to Visit in India in December
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.