The festival passed off peacefully here despite looming security threats and warnings from various quarters, even as traders observed a “black day” to protest the sealing drive in the Capital.People illuminated their homes with lights and traditional “diyas”, reducing their dependence on crackers to celebrate the festival.
The police said the day was more or less free of any untoward incident.
The Fire Department said no major fire was reported to it, barring a few minor incidents.
Markets continued to be flooded with buyers and heavy rush reported from all prominent markets here.
A report from Chitrakoot in UP said around 25 lakh devotees took holy dip in the Mandakini and took the “parikrama” of Kadamgiri and observed “deepdaan”.
In Maharashtra youngsters began bursting crackers at the crack of dawn. People exchanged greetings and pleasantries.
The festival was made special this year in Tamil Nadu with the state government announcing 20 per cent bonus to various categories of its employees and farmers. People lit “deepam” (oil lamps) to lighten their houses.
In Bihar, devotees thronged temples as people exchanged greetings and distributed sweets.
Divali and Kali puja were celebrated with gaiety and grandeur throughout West Bengal.
In Andhra Pradesh, people exchanged greetings by offering sweets to each other. Special poojas were also performed in temples.
With “Narkachaturdasi” falling on Friday, the festival started with the lightning of lamps and candles. Lakshmi Puja was also performed.
— UNI
