Diwali in Uttar Pradesh?

Hi!

Right now I'm in Rishikesh for a few days and I want to head in the direction of Lucknow, Allahabad, Chitrakoot and further on to Madhya Pradesh (Khajuraho/Orchha/eventually Mandu/Indore). I'm a bit ahead of 'schedule', which means that I there is a chance I'll be in Chitrakoot/Khajuraho/another town when Diwali is celebrated, which I guess will be nice, but I want to experience (my first) Diwali in a place where it is really celebrated (according to my limited information, these are the cities).

So I'm thinking of lingering somewhat longer in UP to visit one of the cities which are on route (Lucknow, Allahabad) to celebrate Diwali. Is it recommended to experience Diwali in a city compared to a somewhat smaller place like Chitrakoot? Or is it maybe even worth it to take a detour to Varanasi? I've been to Varanasi before, therefore I thought of skipping it this time, but from what I've heard it's a good place to celebrate.

I figured I have three options if I want to experience Diwali in a city:

Rishikesh - Nainital - Lucknow - Allahabad - Diwali in Lucknow/Allahabad - Chitrakoot and further on
Rishikesh - Lucknow - Allahabad - Chitrakoot - Allahabad - Diwali in Lucknow/Allahabad - Khajuraho
Rishikesh - Lucknow - Allahabad - Varanasi - Diwali in Varanasi - Allahabad - Chitrakoot and further

I'm not sure whether I have to backtrack to Lucknow to get from Chitrakoot to Khajuraho anyway, but in that case option two would stand out I guess.

Your valuable in welcome IM'ers!

Diwali is celebrated in all the places where you propose to visit! So, your plan to be at any of the places of your choice!

And you are right while thinking "to experience Diwali in a city"!

I would go for Varanasi, Lucknow, and Allahabad in that order.

Thanks! I'm now in Allahabad and I'm leaving to Varanasi on 2 november! Can't wait.

On a slightly different note: I'm staying with a family right now in a homestay and they offered me the meals for free since it is the holiday season, which is really nice. I'd really like to get them something for Diwali to say thanks, can anyone make a recommendation? Thanks!

Typical Diwali gifts are dried fruit, nuts, sweets. There are probably piles of pre-packed holiday boxes in the bazaar, in all price ranges.

Buy (whatever seems reasonable quantity) of sweets and gift them. If they have children, some fireworks will definitely be appreciated, if the adults can supervise the kids.

Uttar Pradesh - one of the most populous states of India is also one of the most ancient cradle of Indian culture.The beautiful Kartik Purnima festival or the Dev Deepawali celebrated in Varanasi or Benaras, is a visual delight. The festival Diwali celebrates the homecoming of Rama with firecrackers and the lighting of earthen lamps.