This Diwali, a breath of fresh air comes in the form of bustling hotel bookings as Delhi-NCR residents seek refuge from the region's notorious air pollution. It's a marked shift from tradition, as families typically celebrate at home, but the call of cleaner air and tranquil surroundings is proving too alluring.

Hoteliers like Shahzad Aslam from Leisure Hotels Group are noting an upsurge in occupancy across their properties, with hotspots like Corbett and Nainital in Uttarakhand turning into festive retreats. "We're curating special stay packages to enhance the festival of lights for our guests," he mentioned.

The trend is echoed by Nikhil Sharma of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, who reports rising bookings in picturesque destinations like Udaipur and Goa. Meanwhile, The Taj Corbett Resort & Spa is experiencing what General Manager Ajay Sharma describes as an 'extraordinary' surge, with guests booking extended stays to escape the polluted cityscape.

Amit Damani of StayVista observes a significant increase in interest for the Diwali period, noting a preference for flight destinations like Goa and drivable spots such as Kasauli. This sentiment is shared by Deven Parulekar of SaffronStays, who has seen their properties in locations like Ranikhet and Mukteshwar reach full capacity.

The Fern Hotels and Resorts' Mohit Sharad points to a spike in inquiries for locales within a short drive from Delhi. "Our festive packages are selling rapidly, forecasting higher occupancies than previous years," he adds.

Zubin Saxena of Radisson Hotel Group highlights a pattern of diversion from Delhi to markets within a four-to-six-hour drive, signaling a new way Delhiites are choosing to spend their festive weekends – seeking solace in the sanctuary of nearby getaways.

This Diwali, the choice is clear for many: the festive spirit is best enjoyed amidst the purity of nature, far from the seasonal smog that blankets the capital.