When Gujarat glows - A memorable Diwali journey through Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar

The first sign of the onset of the festive season is not always a lamp. In fact, Diwali begins long before the first lamps are lit. It may be the fragrance of sweets being prepared at home, the colours of a rangoli taking shape at a doorway, or the anticipation of welcoming loved ones for the celebrations ahead. Across Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, these familiar traditions bring families together, reflecting the warmth and spirit of hospitality that define the festival.

For guests at The Leela Gandhinagar, the festival offers an opportunity to experience two distinct expressions of Diwali in Gujarat. Ahmedabad’s historic neighbourhoods and festive markets reveal the city’s enduring cultural traditions, while Gandhinagar offers a more unhurried setting in which to savour the season. Together, they offer a meaningful way to experience the festival, from its everyday rituals to the glow of the evening celebrations.

Light across two cities

Diwali evenings invite a slower gaze. Diyas at entrances and rangoli at thresholds give familiar streets a different warmth, while prayers bring families together at home. More than a celebration of light, Diwali is a celebration of togetherness, expressed through customs that have been cherished for generations.

To experience Diwali in Ahmedabad beyond its illuminated streets, look to the traditions that shape everyday life in the city’s historic pols. Carved wooden homes, shared courtyards and visits between households offer glimpses into a way of life rooted in heritage and community. Sweets are exchanged, families welcome visitors, and festive rituals bring generations together. In Gandhinagar, a more unhurried pace offers a chance to savour the moments between festive preparations and evenings spent with loved ones.

The journey naturally continues to Gandhinagar, where broad tree-lined avenues and quieter surroundings provide a welcome contrast. Together, Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar reveal the many moods of Diwali in Gujarat, from celebration and gathering to reflection and renewal.

The pleasure of festive shopping

A festive purchase can become a keepsake of the journey. In Ahmedabad, textiles and adornments bring colour to the days before Diwali, when choosing a gift or an outfit feels like part of the occasion itself.

For Diwali shopping in Ahmedabad, allow time to browse rather than rush towards a single purchase:

• Law Garden: Explore embroidered textiles, bandhani and mirror-work creations that reflect Gujarat's rich tradition of craftsmanship. The skill of local artisans can be seen in every detail, from intricate embroidery to vibrant handcrafted embellishments
• Rani no Hajiro: Near Manek Chowk, this old-city market rewards an unhurried visit with textiles, clothing and jewellery. Its setting lends Ahmedabad's festive markets a sense of place as compelling as the purchases themselves

One tip for the festive season is to always choose garments you will wear again and choose gifts for giving that you would enjoy receiving as well. Festival shopping is most satisfying when a beautiful object also carries the memory of where you found it.

After an afternoon spent among Ahmedabad's markets, returning to The Leela Gandhinagar offers another perspective on the region's artistry. Elements of local craftsmanship and design create a connection between the culture of the destination and the experience of staying here.

A table made for sharing

In many Gujarati homes, the days around Diwali begin in the kitchen. Recipes are prepared for visitors and family; a plate offered across the threshold is a welcome expressed without ceremony. Ahmedabad’s pols have kept this culinary hospitality especially visible.

A taste of Gujarati Diwali sweets and savouries might include:

• Ghughra: Delicate, folded pastries filled with sweetened coconut and nuts
• Mathiya and Chorafali: Crisp festive savouries that bring a welcome contrast to the sweets; enjoyed throughout the season
• Mohanthal: A traditional sweet prepared with gram flour and ghee, known for its rich flavour and texture

These flavours make Diwali food in Ahmedabad more than a simple culinary experience. Whether shared with visiting family, offered to neighbours or enjoyed around a festive table, they reflect the generosity and warmth that define Gujarati hospitality.

When one celebration becomes another

Diwali is also a time of gratitude, prosperity and new beginnings. Lakshmi Puja honours the goddess of wealth, while Chopda Pujan, observed by many business families, involves prayers over account books for prosperity in the year ahead. The celebrations continue into Bestu Varas, the Gujarati New Year, when families exchange “Saal Mubarak” greetings, visit loved ones, share sweets and seek the blessings of elders.

This progression from one celebration to the next is a distinctive part of Diwali in Gujarat. Travellers who stay beyond the festival can experience Gujarati New Year traditions and the warmth of gatherings that bring families and communities together. These customs reflect a spirit of renewal and connection, carrying the festive season forward into the year ahead.

A quiet interlude in Gandhinagar

Diwali is often remembered through cherished gatherings, festive markets and shared meals. Equally meaningful are the quieter moments between celebrations. After a day spent exploring Ahmedabad’s festive streets and experiencing local traditions, The Leela Gandhinagar offers a welcoming setting to return to. Inspired by Gujarat’s heritage, the hotel reflects the region’s artistry through thikri mirror work, regional textiles and handcrafted details. Its location above Gandhinagar railway station also makes it a convenient base for experiencing Diwali in both Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.

An afternoon by the infinity pool offers time to unwind before the evening unfolds. At Citrus Junction, brass accents, Burma teak doors and design inspired by luxury rail travel create a distinctive setting for Indian and international cuisine. Diya offers another setting for an Indian fine-dining experience. Whether gathering over a leisurely meal or taking a moment to relax between outings, guests can enjoy thoughtful hospitality and a sense of place that complements the warmth and togetherness of the festive season.

Carry the light home

The most enduring memories of Diwali are often found in the simplest moments: a diya glowing at a doorway, a plate of sweets prepared for visiting family, or a New Year greeting exchanged with warmth and sincerity. These familiar gestures reflect the spirit of welcome, belonging and togetherness that gives the festival its meaning.

The best way to immerse in the Diwali celebrations in Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad is by letting the festivities unfold at their own pace. Wander through Ahmedabad’s festive markets, admire the traditions preserved in its historic pols, and savour Gujarati Diwali sweets shared among family and friends. In Gandhinagar, the celebrations offer a different rhythm, with moments to pause between gatherings and enjoy the company of loved ones. Across both cities, it is these expressions of hospitality and the traditions passed down through generations that make Diwali in Gujarat memorable long after the lamps have dimmed.