Diwali Vacation Sparks Tourism Boom in Gujarat 

Ahmedabad : In Gujarat, Diwali is more than a festival; it’s a time for families to unwind, reconnect, and explore, thanks to a unique holiday provision. Unlike many other states in India, Gujarat grants a long school vacation during Diwali, allowing people to celebrate the festival and enjoy a break from their routine lives. 

This year, the 21-day school holiday from October 28 to November 17 has prompted a significant rise in tourism, with Gujarati families traveling within the state, across India, and to international destinations.

Gujaratis are known for their love of travel, and the Diwali season sees them flocking to popular destinations worldwide. Tour operators have reported that top spots like Singapore, Dubai, Europe, Kashmir, Kerala, Goa, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Jaisalmer-Jodhpur are bustling with Gujarati tourists. Additionally, many Gujaratis from Mumbai join the exodus, eager to explore these locations alongside their counterparts from Gujarat. Given their dietary preferences, various travel agencies have curated special vegetarian packages, all of which have seen overwhelming demand this season.

Within Gujarat, popular tourist locations are witnessing full occupancy in hotels and a surge in visitors. Religious sites, such as Dwarka, Somnath, and Ambaji, have seen a noticeable increase in pilgrimages, while scenic spots like the Gir National Park, Kutch, the Statue of Unity, Saputara, and Junagadh are packed with tourists. Highways leading to these destinations are frequently jammed, with heavy traffic caused by families on vacation.

For Gujaratis, Diwali isn’t just about festivities; it’s also about celebrating the new year, Vikram Samvat, in the Gujarati Hindu calendar. Traditionally, businesses remain closed from Dhanteras or Diwali until Labh Pancham, the fifth day after Diwali, enabling people to take advantage of the break. This period has become peak vacation time in Gujarat, with tourist inflows at an all-time high.

Hotel and transportation prices soar during Diwali as demand skyrockets. For families traveling within Gujarat, the costs for accommodations and travel have surged, reflecting the immense demand brought on by the vacation period. Meanwhile, for workers from other states, Diwali marks a time to return home. A significant number of laborers employed in Gujarat’s industrial hubs like Surat and Ahmedabad head back to their native states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, and Rajasthan to celebrate with loved ones. In Surat alone, it’s estimated that a third of the city’s population leaves during this period, leading to a quieter cityscape while families take their Diwali vacations elsewhere.

The mass movement for Diwali creates a festive yet bustling atmosphere throughout the state and highlights the unique cultural tradition in Gujarat. While cities empty out to some extent, tourist hotspots across India and globally welcome a substantial number of Gujarati travelers. The tradition of Diwali vacations has not only become a family bonding time but also a significant period for tourism, with the festival bringing both celebrations and economic vitality to the regions Gujaratis visit.