Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most visually breathtaking celebrations in the world. Streets glow with rows of diyas, homes are decorated with rangoli, and fireworks paint the night sky in dazzling colors. For photographers, it’s the perfect opportunity to capture culture, tradition, and human emotion all in a single frame.
If you’re planning to travel during Diwali 2025, these are the best cities for Diwali 2025 photography spots - each offering a unique visual story to tell.
Varanasi – Ghats and the Divine Ganga Aarti
Varanasi transforms into a spiritual wonderland during Diwali. The banks of the Ganga light up with thousands of diyas placed carefully along the ghats. The grand Ganga Aarti ceremony, with priests waving huge lamps and chants filling the air, is a sight that feels almost otherworldly.
📸 Photography Tip: Take wide-angle shots from a boat for the full panorama of glowing ghats. A slow shutter speed helps capture the soft golden glow of diyas reflecting on the water. Don’t miss close-ups of families lighting diyas—it adds a personal touch to the festival’s grandeur.
Jaipur – The Pink City Illuminated
In Jaipur, Diwali is all about royalty meeting festivity. Entire markets, especially Johari Bazaar, come alive with lights and decorations. The iconic Hawa Mahal, with its honeycomb structure, looks spectacular when illuminated, while Nahargarh Fort offers a bird’s-eye view of the city glowing like a jewel.
📸 Photography Tip: Experiment with high vantage points. Shoot the lit-up streets from above for sweeping cityscapes, then switch to street-level frames capturing vendors selling lanterns and diyas. Golden hour leading into night is the ideal time to balance natural and artificial lighting.
Amritsar – Diwali at the Golden Temple
The Golden Temple becomes a vision of serenity and celebration during Diwali. The temple complex is adorned with lamps, and fireworks brighten the sky above the shimmering golden dome. Pilgrims gather in large numbers, adding layers of devotion to your frames.
📸 Photography Tip: Carry a tripod for stable shots in low light. Focus on the Sarovar, where the reflections of the temple and lamps create magical symmetry. Capture candid shots of devotees praying—it tells a story beyond the lights.
Kolkata – Lights, Pandals, and Kali Puja
In Kolkata, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja, giving the festival a distinct cultural edge. Streets are strung with elaborate light installations, and pandals showcase unique artistry dedicated to Goddess Kali. Unlike in other cities, fireworks are paired with deep-rooted devotion here.
📸 Photography Tip: Capture details—intricate lighting displays, pandal artistry, and candid expressions of worshippers. Low aperture shots work well for highlighting glowing lamps against dark backgrounds.
Mumbai – Fireworks by the Arabian Sea
Mumbai’s high-energy vibe shines even brighter during Diwali. Marine Drive, Worli Sea Face, and Bandra Bandstand are hotspots for photographing fireworks bursting over the skyline. Residential colonies across the city also showcase impressive lighting, adding to the festive spirit.
📸 Photography Tip: Frame fireworks with the Mumbai skyline in the background. Burst mode is useful for capturing multiple explosions. For something different, explore bylanes in Bandra and Dadar to shoot colorful rangolis and diya-decorated homes.
💡 Related Read: Independence Day in Mumbai – another festival when the city lights up in patriotic colors.
Delhi – Heritage Meets Festivity
The capital city offers a mix of tradition and modern festivity. Iconic landmarks like India Gate, Red Fort, and Akshardham Temple are beautifully illuminated. Chandni Chowk and Dilli Haat bustle with markets selling sweets, lanterns, and crackers, making them ideal for street photography.
📸 Photography Tip: Contrast modern celebrations with Delhi’s historic backdrops. A telephoto lens helps isolate subjects in crowded markets, while wide-angle shots can capture the grandeur of decorated monuments.
Udaipur – Reflections on the Lakes
Known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur offers a dreamy setting for Diwali. Palaces, ghats, and homes are lit up with lamps, and their reflections dance across Lake Pichola. The City Palace is especially stunning when viewed from a boat during the festival.
📸 Photography Tip: Evening boat rides are ideal for capturing reflections. Use a polarising filter to enhance water clarity. Long exposures can beautifully capture the golden glow of palaces mirrored on the lake’s surface.
Additional Cities Worth Exploring
While the above cities are must-visits, other destinations also promise great photography opportunities:
Ayodhya – Famous for lighting over a million diyas on the banks of the Sarayu.
Ahmedabad – Vibrant street markets with dazzling light decorations.
Pune – Known for its mix of traditional and modern celebrations.
Tips for Diwali 2025 Festival Photography
Plan Ahead: Scout locations early to avoid crowds and secure the best vantage points.
Low-Light Settings: Carry a tripod and use slower shutter speeds for capturing diya light trails.
Candid Moments: Don’t just shoot monuments and fireworks—capture families lighting diyas, children bursting crackers, and the joy on people’s faces.
Experiment with Angles: Try shooting rangolis from above or fireworks reflected in windows and rivers.
Respect Traditions: Be mindful when photographing in religious spaces—always ask before taking close-ups of rituals.
Conclusion – Telling Diwali’s Story Through Your Lens
Diwali 2025 isn’t just about bright lights; it’s about capturing the spirit of togetherness, devotion, and celebration. Each city offers unique frames—Varanasi’s spiritual ghats, Jaipur’s royal streets, Amritsar’s serene Golden Temple, and Mumbai’s energetic seafront fireworks.
With the right planning and creative eye, your camera can tell the vibrant story of India’s most beloved festival. Get ready to discover the best Diwali 2025 photography spots and immortalize the Festival of Lights in your own visual diary.