Tag: Diwali

Events

Top 5 Must-See Destinations and Experiences in October in India

Post author By Venugopal Krishnan
Post date 05/10/2024

India in October is a feast for the senses! As the festive season kicks into full swing, the country buzzes with energy, colour, and tradition. Whether you’re heading home to celebrate or simply want to experience magic, these are the top 5 destinations and experiences that will leave you enchanted.

1. Navratri Celebrations in Gujarat

Why It’s Special: Navratri isn’t just a festival—it’s a way of life in Gujarat, blending spirituality, community, and culture.

As you step into Gujarat during Navratri, it’s impossible not to get swept away by the whirlwind of Garba dances, vibrant colours, and pulsating music. Cities like Ahmedabad and Vadodara come alive with lights and rhythm as locals dance in circles, celebrating the goddess Durga in what feels like a grand, magical carnival. Slip into traditional attire, and don’t be shy—join the Garba and feel the infectious energy surrounding you. You’ll find yourself twirling to the beats of folk music late into the night, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Plan your trip to Gujarat and make your travel booking India today for this vibrant celebration!

2. Durga Puja in Kolkata

Why It’s Special: Durga Puja in Kolkata is a larger-than-life celebration of creativity, culture, and devotion.

Imagine walking through streets lined with intricately designed pandals, each more elaborate than the last, housing stunning idols of Goddess Durga. The whole city of Kolkata transforms into a vibrant art gallery with breathtaking installations. Add to that the sounds of conch shells, the smell of incense, and the sight of people in their finest traditional attire—it’s a sensory overload in the best possible way. Don’t miss the immersion ceremony, where the entire city joins in one final act of devotion, as the idols are paraded to the river with chants, music, and so much emotion.

Discover Kolkata’s cultural gems and ensure your travel booking India to witness this grand spectacle!

3. Mumbai: Diwali and Cultural Extravaganza

Why It’s Special: Diwali in Mumbai is not just a festival, it’s a full-blown cultural spectacle.

Diwali in Mumbai is something you have to experience at least once. The city that never sleeps lights up even brighter during this festival of lights. Picture this—stunning fireworks over the Arabian Sea, streets draped in twinkling lights, and markets buzzing with last-minute shoppers. Head to the lively markets of Dadar or Andheri to shop for everything from traditional outfits to handmade decorations. The festive energy is contagious, and the food, from sweet treats to savory snacks, Diwali in Mumbai is a celebration of all the senses.

Explore Diwali events in Mumbai and get your travel booking India done early for an unforgettable Diwali experience.

4. Chennai: Navratri and Traditional Music

Why It’s Special: In Chennai, Navratri is celebrated with music, dance, and a tradition that dates back centuries.

In Chennai, Navratri is all about celebrating culture, art, and heritage. The city comes alive with vibrant Golu displays—beautiful arrangements of dolls that depict mythological stories. But what makes Chennai’s Navratri truly stand out is its classical music and dance performances. During this time, you can catch concerts featuring Carnatic music maestros or Bharatanatyam dance recitals that will leave you mesmerized. It’s a window into the rich traditions of South India, where devotion meets art in the most beautiful way.

Plan your cultural journey in Chennai and secure your travel booking India to immerse yourself in the festivities.

5. Delhi: Dussehra and Diwali Festivities

Why It’s Special: Delhi in October becomes a canvas for epic stories, stunning lights, and delicious street food.

Delhi does not do festivals halfway, and when it comes to Dussehra and Diwali, the entire city transforms. Catch the Ramlila performances, where actors bring to life the story of Lord Rama, complete with elaborate costumes and sets. As the night sky lights up with fireworks during Diwali, the city is aglow with festive spirit. Chandni Chowk and Connaught Place are where you’ll want to head for shopping, food, and just soaking in the energy. Whether its watching Ravana’s effigy burn or indulging in mouth-watering jalebis, Delhi knows how to celebrate in style.

Discover the magic of Delhi’s festivals and make your travel booking India now for a front-row seat to these amazing celebrations.

Diwali Flight Offers: Fly Home This Festive Season with Gaura Travel

From just $629, let us help you light up your Diwali!

There’s nothing quite like celebrating Diwali with your loved ones, and Gaura Travel is here to make that happen. With our exclusive GDeals, you can fly home to India starting from just $629. Plus, we’ve got flexible payment options that allow you to lock in today’s prices with just a $20 deposit and pay the rest in easy weekly instalments.

We understand how important it is to take home a little bit of everything—especially during Diwali. That’s why we’re offering a generous 30 KG luggage allowance so you can bring all your festive goodies!

With over 17 years of experience and trusted partnerships with top airlines like Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and Malaysia Airlines, we’re more than just a travel agency—we’re Your Best Way Home.

For more information, contact our 24/7 Customer Support on 1300 359 463 or visit gauratravel.com.au.

Melbourne to Delhi|Qantas– Singapore Airlines (Return) — Flights from Melbourne to Delhi

Delhi India — Flights from Sydney to Delhi

Tags Australia, Diwali, India, Melbourne

Events

Festivals of the Season

Post author By chamindikah
Post date 18/07/2022

Diwali is less than 100 days away, at Gaura Travel we celebrate India’s diverse religions and ethnic groups, where a vast number of local festivals are celebrated throughout the year. Each festival brings a unity of culture and celebration with festivities for families, relatives and friends to enjoy.

The next biggest festival of the season, Diwali, is celebrated nationwide in India on October 24^th, 2022 and symbolises the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

Diwali – The festival of Lights

Diwali is a festival that symbolises the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated by many different religious groups in India, each with a unique interpretation. Hindus celebrate Diwali to celebrate the return of Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the evil king Ravana and the rebirth of goddess Lakshmi, whereas Jains celebrate and honour Lord Mahavira’s enlightenment. For the Sikh population, the festival is held to celebrate Guru Hargobind’s release from prison.

5-day celebration of this Holiday

This year, Diwali will fall on 24^th October, with the 5-day celebration commencing on 22^nd October with Dhanteras – the act of cleaning and purchasing gold, silver and other new items to decorate the house. For the second day, Choti Diwali, houses are decorated with diyas and candles, with families gathering to create rangolis. On the auspicious day of Diwali, extended families come together with their traditional attires and perform a ritual called ‘Lakshmi Puja’, afterwards celebrating with delicious food and lighting diyas together.

On the fourth day, Padwa, festivities are dedicated to celebrating the loving bond between husband and wife by exchanging gifts. On Bhai Duj, the fifth day, families get together to celebrate the special bond between brothers and sisters, with sisters tying a special bracelet called ‘rakhi’ around each brother’s wrists. In return, the brothers give gifts and sweets to their sisters and promise to protect them for life.

Diwali in Australia

Diwali or Deepavali is the most important occasion for the Indian community in Australia. To Hindus, this is a symbol of hope, harmony, joy and renewed togetherness of life. The Hindu Council of Australia is organising an array of cultural events to be held at Martin Place, Parramatta Park and other venues around Sydney by cooperating with the local Indian communities. These events will not only represent religious significance, but also have something to offer for attendees of all ages, from exciting Bollywood recitals, traditional foods and music, henna artworks and more. Entrance to many of the fair’s cultural events is free, and open to all Australians to experience the rich multicultural traditions, cuisines, music and much more.

With joy and laughter in the air, there’s no better time to travel to India and celebrate this auspicious festival with your loved ones. Find out more about our special flight offers to India during the festival season here:

https://gauratravel.com.au/flights/

Learn more about Australia’s Deepavali events happening near you;

https://www.sydneypoint.com.au/events/deepavali-festival/

Event Date: 24 October 2022 (TBA)

Venue: Multiple Venues, all around Sydney (Including Cherrybrook, Rouse Hill Town Centre, Liverpool, Hornsby, Sydney NSW)

Entrance: Free

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel in this year 2022. Find all available flights options with us.

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Sources: https://www.asiahighlights.com/india/festivals-and-celebrations#Next%20Big%20Festival%20in%20India , https://www.asiahighlights.com/india/diwali , https://www.asiahighlights.com/india/diwali-legends-and-stories , https://www.sydneypoint.com.au/events/deepavali-festival/

Tags Australia Borders Open, Australia to India, Diwali, India, Indian Festivals, International Travel, International Travellers

Why Gaura

What will this festive season bring us all?

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 12/01/2022

It is around this time of the year when festivities from the Hindu calendar spring to life.

As a lead up to one of the most popular Indian festivals, Diwali, the majority of India and many Indians settled overseas celebrate Navratri, Durga Ashtami and Dussera.

In the years before COVID 19, festivities would already have kicked into top gear and the social interaction would have been full of excitement, without any restrictions or boundaries of any kind.

But of course, those times now seem like a different world. A world we probably took for granted, in hindsight.

But having said that, the indomitable human spirit will always find ways to celebrate and honour the divine, regardless of the challenges and restrictions.

Let us take a look at how Indians in Australia celebrate these festivals and the new ways that have been adopted, reflecting the world we live in.

Navratri

The most famous nine nights in India, are symbolized by the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil tyranny of Mahisasura. It is said, that she borrows the power of every God and engages in a dazzling and brutal battle that lasts for nine nights (ten days).

The battle was so mesmerizing that the entire world stood frozen to witness it.

People across India who celebrate this festival, do so in different ways, depending on which part of India you belong to.

In the western part, this festival marks the beginning of the ‘dance’ season in the way of cultural dance forms like Garba, Dandiya etc. In the southern regions, families place divine dolls in the form of a tiered altar called ‘Golu’. In the northern region, special pujas, fasts, meditation, singing, and dancing takes place along with the exchange of sweets, clothes etc. In West Bengal, a five day Durga Puja is also celebrated with great pomp and fervour.

And given the diversity of the country and the cultures within, it is almost impossible to specify what happens in each region. Do let us know how you like to celebrate Navratri.

Durga Ashtami

While Durga Ashtami is celebrated as a separate festival, it really refers to that 8^th night in the above-mentioned battle.

A tradition associated with Durga Ashtami is to honour young, unmarried girls (usually a group of five to seven), who are invited into the home. The tradition is based on the belief that each of these young girls represents the shakti (energy) of Durga on Earth.

This festival, a lot like Navratri is a testament to the power of the divine feminine and is a reminder of the wonderful role that women continue to play in all aspects of life. A reminder that it is this energy that sustains and nourishes the very existence we treasure.

Dussera

One of the most popular historical epics from India is the Ramayana. Those who are familiar with the epic know that it is the ultimate fight between the virtuous (represented by Lord Rama) and unrighteous (King Ravana).

Dussera marks the last day of the war where Lord Rama finally kills the demon King Ravana and reunites with his wife, Goddess Seetha.

Given that we have reunited numerous couples over the last two years through our flights, we understand the pains of separation that Lord Rama and Goddess Seetha might have faced.

Here is to the triumph of the virtuous in us, every single time.

But what does all of this mean to us, especially now?

Dussera marks the last day of the war where Lord Rama finally kills the demon King Ravana and reunites with his wife, Goddess Seetha.

Given that we have reunited numerous couples over the last two years through our flights, we understand the pains of separation that Lord Rama and Goddess Seetha might have faced.

Here is to the triumph of the virtuous in us, every single time.

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Tags Australia, Dandiya, Diwali, Durga Ashtami, Dussera, Festive Season, Garba, Hindu Calender, India, Indian Festivals, Indians In Australia, Navratri

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