WEB DESK
Diwali, the festival of lights is being celebrated with traditional fervor across the country. People have decorated their houses with lights and are worshiping Goddess of wealth, Devi Lakshmi. They have also dotted the entrances of their houses with rangolis.
In Uttar Pradesh, festival of lights Diwali is being celebrated with religious fervour and zeal and people are following the mantra of ‘do gaj ki doori, mask hai zaroori’.
Pilgrims from all over the country took dip in holy Mandakini river in Chitrakoot on the occasion of Deepawali where according to mythology Lord Rama spent a lot of time during his vanvas. Across the state Major buildings and temple are decorated with lights and people are celebrating the festival of lights with strict adherence to the corona guidelines. Lakshmi pooja is being performed and rangoli are being made to welcome goddess of wealth. A day after the Uttar Pradesh government celebrated a grand Deepotsav in Ayodhya, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today reached Gorakhpur where he will celebrate diwali with Vantangiya community. He has been celebrating Diwali since decades with these tribal people living in the deep forests of Gorakhpur and neighboring areas. Deepotsav is also being organized at the Famous Shaktipeeth Devipatan in Balrampur district.
In National Capital Delhi, Festival of Lights Diwali was celebrated with traditional fervour. People have decorated their houses with lights and are worshipping Goddess of wealth, Devi Lakshmi. They have also dotted the entrances of their houses with rangolis. Due to pollution, National Green Tribunal has banned the sale and use of firecrackers this festive season. Delhi Police had suspended all licences issued for the sale of firecrackers in the national capital. The Delhi government had also put a complete ban on the sale, purchase, and use of all kind firecrackers in Delhi till 30th of this month.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal along with his wife Sunita took part in Diwali celebrations at Akshardham temple. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was also present.
In Tamil Nadu, the festival of light, Deepavali was celebrated today with gaiety and traditional fervour. People took the sesame oil bath early in the morning as per the tradition associated with the festival and took the blessings of the elders. People exchanged sweets and well wishes with neighbours and friends.
About four lakh people took to the buses being operated by the state run transport corporations to reach their native places to celebrate with their families. In several villages that are in close proximity to the bird sanctuaries, both small and big, including near the famous Vedanthangal sanctuary off Chennai, people voluntarily shied away from firecrackers, as their harmonious relationship with the endemic and migratory birds take precedence over the sound and sparkling colours in the sky for them.
Deepavali is celebrated with festive spirit in Karnataka. Temples, Malls and houses are illuminated to usher in the auspicious occasion. However due to the pandemic, the Government has issued caution to the public stepping out for festival shopping. The health department, municipal corporation have intensified drive against those not wearing masks or maintain social distancing. The government has allowed green crackers and issued strict guidelines for the shops selling the crackers. The fire department and eye hospitals have cautioned the public about accidents caused by the fire crackers. As part of the festival in Karnataka people worshipped Ganga jal yesterday. Today an oil bath was taken as part of Naraka chaturdashi to mark the killing of Demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. Tomorrow is Dhanalakshmi puja and on Monday Bali Padyami is celebrated in Karnataka. Offering prayers, rangoli decorations, Lighting diya, wearing new clothes, eating sweets and seeking the blessings of Gods, Goddesses and elders are part and parcel of the festivities.
President, Vice President, Prime Minister greet people on Diwali
The President, Vice President and Prime Minister have extended greetings to people on the occasion of Diwali. In a message, President Ram Nath Kovind said the festival, celebrated by people of various religions and sects strengthen the sense of unity, goodwill and fraternity among the people of the country.
He said, the festival inspires work for the service of humanity. He also said people should resolve on this occasion to become a lamp of hope and prosperity for the poor, destitute and needy by sharing happiness just as a lamp lightens many lamps by sharing its light. The President said, Diwali is also a festival of cleanliness, so Diwali celebrations should be pollution-free, environment-friendly and clean. Mr Kovind expressed the hope this grand festival of happiness and light will bring delight, peace and prosperity to each and every house of our country.
Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, in his message, said, Diwali signifies the victory of good over evil and reaffirms our belief in the noble ideals and morals of Lord Rama’s life. He said, the festival reminds us that we need to constantly quell the demonic forces and foster goodness and harmony in our society. Mr Naidu said, Deepawali’s celebrations transcend the boundaries of India and Indians living abroad also celebrate Deepavali with much fanfare. The Vice President said Deepawali is always an occasion for family and friends to come together and celebrate. But this year, given the unprecedented health emergency due to COVID-19, the Vice President urged people to celebrate Diwali by adhering to COVID health and hygiene protocols. He expressed hope that this festival will dispel the darkness of ignorance and kindle the light of knowledge and enlightenment, bring peace, harmony, prosperity and happiness in our lives.
Extending his greetings to the people of the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a tweet, expressed hope that this festival will further brightness, happiness and prosperity.