Bhai Dooj
Bhai Dooj, celebrated just two days after Diwali, is a testament to the deep-rooted cultural ethos of India, symbolizing the precious bond between brothers and sisters.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali or as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India. It’s a time when the whole country, from the bustling cities to the serene villages, comes alive with a radiant glow. Diwali is not just a festival - it's a sentiment that embodies joy, togetherness, and hope. It's a period when families and friends unite, traditions are revisited, and homes glisten with lights and colors.
With FlixBus, your Diwali journey becomes an integral part of the festive experience. Our commitment to comfort, convenience, and safety ensures that your journey back home is filled with anticipation and happiness. This Diwali, let FlixBus be the chariot that brings you closer to your family and friends, adding to the brightness of your celebrations. Join us in creating new memories this Diwali as we take you on a journey filled with joy, warmth, and the magic of the Festival of Lights.
The specific date of Diwali varies each year based on the Hindu calendar, but it typically falls in October or November. The festivity, known for its vibrancy and spiritual significance, spans several days, each marked by unique customs and traditions.
Yes, Diwali is considered a bank holiday in India. On the day of Diwali, many businesses, government offices, and banks in India are closed to allow people to celebrate the festival with their families and loved ones.
Planning ahead for Diwali is essential, especially for those who travel to reunite with family. Here are the Diwali dates for the next years:
Each day of Diwali holds a special meaning, rooted in ancient legends and traditions. The festival commemorates different historical and mythological events, such as Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya, signifying the triumph of virtue. Diwali's enduring message is the victory of light over darkness, symbolized by the lighting of earthen lamps, or 'diyas.' The festival is a kaleidoscope of rituals: from house cleaning to setting up dazzling fireworks, and from preparing feasts to exchanging gifts.
Diwali is celebrated with immense fervor and diverse customs across India. While regional traditions add unique flavors to the festival, certain rituals and activities resonate universally, creating a collective spirit of celebration. Diwali in India is a magnificent tapestry woven with various cultural threads, each region adding its unique hue to the celebration. While the customs may vary, the underlying spirit of joy, togetherness, and hope remains constant, binding the country in a harmonious celebration of light, life, and togetherness.
Across the length and breadth of India, certain Diwali customs are universally embraced:
Each region adds its unique touch to the festival, enhancing the kaleidoscopic nature of Diwali. For example:
New Delhi: The capital city is known for its spectacular fireworks display. Markets and homes are elaborately adorned with lights and decorations. Major landmarks and government buildings are illuminated, showcasing the city's vibrant spirit.
Jaipur: Known for its royal heritage, Jaipur's markets are a sight to behold during Diwali. The Pink City is transformed with magnificent lighting and decorations, with the local markets offering a plethora of shopping opportunities and festive delights.
Haridwar and Rishikesh: These spiritual havens offer a serene celebration. The ritual of floating lit diyas on the Ganges adds a divine touch to the festival, attracting devotees and tourists alike.
Lucknow: With its rich Nawabi history, Lucknow celebrates Diwali with a blend of traditional and cultural elegance. Historical monuments and heritage sites are beautifully lit, and the aroma of festive delicacies wafts through the streets.
Celebrating Diwali at home can be a deeply fulfilling and joyous experience. Here are some ways to bring the spirit of the Festival of Lights into your home as you reconnect with your family and friends:
Diwali holds a deep-rooted significance in rekindling familial bonds and cherishing the ties of kinship. It is a time when the simple act of traveling back home transforms into a journey filled with emotions and expectations. The essence of Diwali truly blossoms in these reunions, making the voyage as significant as the festival itself. Diwali is synonymous with family gatherings. It's a time when generational stories are shared, when relatives who are otherwise caught up in the hustle of life, pause and come together. These gatherings are not just a meeting of individuals but a celebration of shared histories and affections. From the eldest members of the family imparting wisdom and blessings to the youngest ones bubbling with energy, these get-togethers are a tapestry of love and mutual respect. In essence, traveling home for Diwali is more than a physical journey; it's a pilgrimage of the heart. It's a voyage that renews bonds, revives traditions, and fills homes with laughter and love. The joy of reunion during Diwali is a testament to the enduring strength and beauty of family ties, making it an integral and cherished part of the festival. As people converge from various paths to the warmth of their homes, Diwali becomes not just a festival of lights, but a celebration of coming home, in the truest sense.
Diwali offers an exquisite opportunity to strengthen bonds with family and friends through meaningful gestures and heartfelt greetings. It's a time when every message and gift carries the essence of love, care, and good wishes.
Expressing Diwali greetings is much more than a tradition; it's a way of sharing joy and prosperity. Phrases like "Shubh Deepawali" and "Happy Diwali" are imbued with the spirit of hope, happiness, and well-being. They are not just words, but carriers of heartfelt wishes for peace, health, and prosperity. In this digital age, personalized messages, e-cards, or even a simple phone call can bridge distances, making your loved ones feel special and valued.
When it comes to Diwali gifts, the choices are as diverse as the festival itself. Here are some ideas that can help you make this Diwali memorable for your loved ones:
Sweets and Savories: Boxes of traditional sweets like laddus, barfi, and kaju katli are perennial favorites. For a healthier twist, consider gourmet dry fruit hampers or sugar-free delicacies.
Handcrafted Items: Artisanal gifts such as hand-painted diyas, ornate candle holders, and intricately designed lanterns not only add a personal touch but also support local craftsmanship.
Eco-friendly Gifts: With increasing environmental awareness, gifts like jute bags, bamboo products, and seed planters are thoughtful options that reflect responsibility towards nature.
Apparel and Jewelry: Gifting traditional wear like sarees, kurtas, or festive jewelry can add to the celebratory mood. Opt for traditional fabrics and designs to keep the essence of Diwali alive.
Toys and Books for Kids: For the younger members of the family, educational toys, books, or traditional wear for children can be both fun and culturally enriching.
Gift Cards and Vouchers: For those who prefer giving their loved ones the freedom to choose, gift cards from their favorite stores can be a perfect option.
Home Decor: Items like decorative lamps, wall hangings, or a set of elegant tableware can enhance the festive atmosphere in homes.
In Diwali, the act of giving is as important as the gift itself. It's about showing that you care and cherish the relationship. Packaging these gifts in vibrant, festive wrapping, accompanied by a personal note, can multiply the joy manifold.
As Diwali approaches, let your greetings and gifts reflect the warmth, affection, and goodwill that this festival stands for. It’s these small gestures that light up hearts, making Diwali a true celebration of togetherness.
FlixBus emerges as a beacon of convenience and comfort during the bustling Diwali travel season. Our extensive network across key cities like New Delhi, Chandigarh, Manali, Bangalore, Agra and others ensures that no destination is out of reach. We bridge the distance between you and your loved ones, making the journey as delightful as the destination.
Traveling during Diwali often brings up the question of packing, especially when you're heading home or visiting loved ones and want to carry gifts along. With FlixBus, you can put these worries to rest. Understanding the needs of the festive traveler, FlixBus offers a generous luggage policy that ensures you don't have to compromise on what you bring along for the celebrations.
Every FlixBus ticket includes the provision for one carry-on and one larger piece of luggage. The carry-on bag, perfect for essentials and valuable items, can easily fit in the overhead compartment or under your seat. The larger luggage, suitable for your festive attire, gifts, and everything else you need for Diwali, is safely stowed in the luggage compartment of the bus. This policy is designed to make your travel experience comfortable and convenient, without the added stress of packing light.
FlixBus recognizes that during Diwali, you might have special luggage needs – be it an extra suitcase full of Diwali goodies or larger items that don't fit into standard luggage dimensions. For a nominal fee, FlixBus allows you to add extra or special luggage to your booking. This flexibility ensures that you can bring along everything that's important for your Diwali celebration, from extra gift hampers to that special festive outfit.
Our aim is to make your Diwali travel as joyful and stress-free as the festival itself. The convenience of our luggage policy, combined with the comfort and reliability of our service, means you can sit back and look forward to the festivities, rather than worry about packing constraints. With FlixBus, your journey to the festive celebrations will be just as pleasant and carefree as the destination itself.
So, as you plan your Diwali travels, remember that with FlixBus, there's always room for a little extra joy and a lot more convenience. We take care of the journey, so you can focus on the celebrations.
Bhai Dooj, celebrated just two days after Diwali, is a testament to the deep-rooted cultural ethos of India, symbolizing the precious bond between brothers and sisters.
Let FlixBus be your trusted companion in this journey of faith and festivity, bringing you closer to your cultural roots and loved ones.
Holi's date is more than just a day on the calendar; it's a time marker for a collective burst of colours and happiness!