Taj Hotels celebrates Diwali - the ‘Festival of Lights’
Taj Hotels, Palaces, Resorts and Safaris has announced exclusive offers in key city hotels and palaces across the country in honour of Diwali celebrations from the 18th - 31st October 2017.
October 17thIndia
From Rajasthan’s ‘Pink City of Jaipur’ to the holy shores of Varanasi and the Sikh capital of Amritsar, each city bursts into celebration following its own set of traditions and rituals, all focusing around the lighting of thousands of diya lamps in homes and the entrances of buildings to give thanks to the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. This ritual references celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. Diwali night coincides with the darkest new moon in the Hindu Kartika calendar and it is an opportunity to dress up, visit family and friends and exchange gifts.
Guests of Taj Hotels are invited to join in the local celebrations and take advantage of an exclusive Diwali package including 10% off on accommodation bookings through Taj Direct until 31st October 2017; a festive upgrade to the next available room category, subject to availability, 20% discount on all food and beverages; a special Diwali brunch with an assortment on local delicacies and Staycation specials, which include breakfast and a complimentary meal or Spa experience.
BRIGHT LIGHTS IN THE PINK CITY OF JAIPUR
One of the best places to experience Diwali is in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Palaces aside, entire markets are brilliantly illuminated, each one competing with each other to be the most beautifully lit. It’s a dazzling display that attracts visitors from all over India. Guests at Rambagh Palace, Jaipur can also soak in the myriad colours, sights, and sounds at the city’s famed Johri Bazaar, and spend the long weekend enjoying the regal splendour of this historic palace, once home to Maharaja Sawai Main Singh II and his beautiful queen, Maharani Gayatri Devi.
AMRITSARI DHAMAKA IN THE GOLDEN TEMPLE
The Sikh capital of Amritsar has a strong historical connection with the festival as it was on Diwali that the foundation stone of the Harminder Sahiba Complex, otherwise known as the Golden Temple, was laid in 1577. In the 17th Century, Diwali also coincided with the release of the sixth Sikh Guru from wrongful imprisonment by Mughal emperor Jehangir. Today the Festival of Lights lives up to its name. The magnificent Golden Temple is draped in lights and the edge of the lake is fringed with oil lamps. Guests at the Taj Swarna, Amritsar can join in the celebrations and watch the spellbinding display of Diwali fireworks over the Harminder Sahib – a visual delight that is unique to the capital of the Punjab.
SPIRITUAL CELEBRATIONS IN VARANASI – THE CITY OF LIGHT
For a truly spiritual experience a visit to the Taj Nadesar Palace offers a glimpse into the country’s most revered Diwali celebrations in the eternal city of Varanasi. A spectacular ceremony, the Ganga Aarti – the lighting of diya lamps and prayers takes place at the Dashashwamedh Ghat near the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple on the banks of the Ganga. Thousands of floating diyas light up India’s holiest river, reverberating with vedic chants of the mystics.
BENGAL’S ODE TO VICTORY – THE KALI PUJA IN KOLKATA
Guests at Taj Bengal, Kolkata can celebrate West Bengal’s very own version of Diwali – the Kali puja. While most people in India worship Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali, it is Goddess Kali, the more aggressive incarnation of Goddess Durga, consort of Lord Shiva who is worshipped in Kolkata and West Bengal. Kali has a terrifying expression and destroys all evils. Lamps are lit in her honour and in her return she promises a renewal of life and justice on earth. A huge number of devotees throng to the famous Kali temples at Kalighat, Belur Math, and Dakshineswar. Magnificently decorated idols of Goddess Kali are also erected at various places in the city. Bengalis celebrate both Diwali and Kali Puja and the city experiences a joy like no other with an emphasis on feasting, games and merriment.
SUN, SAND, AND TALES OF TRIUMPH IN GOA
Most regions in India celebrate Diwali as the triumphant return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman after a 14-year exile after battling the evil Lord Ravana. In Goa however, it is the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king Narakasura, who had ruled Goa and caused much hardship and suffering to the people there. Celebrations here focus on competitions between each village and city to create large and fierce effigies of the Hulk like demon, which are all burnt at dawn on Narakasura Chaturdashi. Guests of the newly renovated Taj Fort Aguada Resort and Spa can also join in the traditional harvest pujas, street fairs, and celebrations – all in true Goan style. Guests staying at the Taj Exotica Resort and Spa and Taj Fort Aguada Resort and Spa can take part in traditional harvest pujas, and experience street fairs in true Goan style over the five days of Diwali celebrations – a time for fun, frolic and feasting.
HOW: For more information, please visit Taj Festive Specials: https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in/festive-specials/