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Dhanteras on their mind, residents throng markets to make the
most of the auspicious day
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Women buy utensils on the occasion of Dhanteras in
Ludhiana.
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An overcrowded market of Field Ganj ahead of Divali. Photos: Inderjeet
Verma
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After smog, crackers to add to pollution
Ludhiana, Nov 11
Thick blanket of smog has engulfed the city, thanks to the continuous burning of paddy straw in the open fields by farmers. Though the NGOs and social organisations have been appealing to celebrate green Divali (without crackers) this time, but it is believed that in the next few days, the pollution levels are expected to rise further as the bursting of crackers will add to the problem.
Good news: Medical care to be available on trains soon
Ludhiana, November 11
In wake of the long pending demand of the rail passengers for emergency medical services on board the trains, the railway authorities are said to have mooted a proposal to provide the facility, and once the policy decision is taken at the top level in the Union Railway Ministry, the plan will be put be into effect.
Stamps on Divali, Hanukkah a hit with philatelists
Ludhiana, November 11
Postage stamps on Divali released by the postal department are being liked by philatelists in the city.
While one postage stamp is on Divali, whereas, another stamp is dedicated to a festival called Hanukkah, celebrated in Israel.
Postage stamps on Divali and Hanukkah. A tribune photograph
MVI sent to judicial remand
Ludhiana, November 11
In a major disappointment to the city police, Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) Rakesh Kumar Gupta, who was reportedly apprehended from the Bharat Nagar Chowk area by the Model Town police, has been sent to judicial remand by the local court here today.
The Model Town police produced Gupta before the court of Judicial Magistrate Ekta Sahota and demanded police remand for the accused.
3 Mohali residents die in accident
Samrala, November 11
Three Mohali residents, including a woman, were killed in a road accident today. The incident took place when a black Maruti Alto car collided with a Tata Safari near Kubbe village. The collusion was so strong that the driver of the Alto car died on the spot, while two others, including a woman, were severely injured. They were rushed to the Civil Hospital, Samrala. Later, they were referred to Ludhiana but the duo succumbed to injuries on their way to the hospital in
Ludhiana.
 Reporters' Diary
Celebrating festivals in style
Ludhianvis don't mind spending during festive season. The spirit of the festival in the city is unmatched. Gift exchanging is a special custom and everybody wants to outdo each other in the custom. Mad rush is witnessed in markets and the police is always on its toes to manage the same. Hats-off to Ludhianvis who are full of life and celebrate every festival in style.
Youngsters spoilt for choice
Ludhiana, November 11
Brand-loyalty for mobile phones reigned supreme a few years ago. In addition, new "creeds" of followers for mobile phone operating system (OS) are fast emerging, because of the rapidly increasing use of smartphones among the city youth.
Bouncers a status symbol for Ludhiana industrialists
 Ludhiana, November 11
Ludhianvis seem to have found a new status symbol. Moving in police security has become a thing of the past. The rich but not-so-famous Ludhianvis have found a novel way of "stepping into the shoes" of VIPs by keeping bouncers for personal security. Most of these bouncers wear safari suits and sunglasses, a reminiscent of the Special Protection Group accompanying
VVIPs. The trend started after the police began "clipping the wings" of people who were keeping police personnel as a status symbol.
Let there be light: Residents buy earthenware at a shop in Ludhiana. Photo: Inderjeet Verma
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Shining silver bowls over buyers
Ludhiana, November 11
During Divali one has a plethora of choices when it comes to gifts, but one segment which continues to attract the crowd is silver. Silver artifacts undoubtedly remain a hot favourite when it comes to gifting during Divali.
Spreading love through gifts, sweets
Mandi Ahmedgarh, November 11
Beating the decades old trend, Muslims and Christians have also started celebrating the festival of lights.
Distributing sweets and gifts, lights, exchanging greetings, sending emails, SMSes and bursting of crackers have become common among these communities.
Jewellers expect a brisk business
Ludhiana, November 11
Jewellers are expecting a 40 per cent increase in the gold sales on Dhanteras and high gold prices are unlikely to deter the spirits of the buyers. Dhanteras is a day considered auspicious for gold buying among the Hindu community.
850 gm of gold coins sold
Ludhiana, November 11
About 850 gram of gold coins worth Rs 30 lakh were sold in the post office today.
There was a continuous stream of people coming to the Head Post Office for purchasing gold coins. Seeing the enthusiasm, the timings for opening the post office had to be extended by two hours.
It's time to strengthen bond
 Ludhiana, November 11
The corporate gift industry is flourishing and quality utility items at affordable prices are the mantra this festive season. Divali is the time which helps companies strengthen their relationship with clients and employees. The trend has witnessed an upsurge in the last few years and is no longer confined to the company's partners and associates. It has also become a way to motivate employees.
A boy looks at decorative items displayed in a shop in Ludhiana. Photo: Inderjeet Verma
Now, file annual VAT return online
Ludhiana, November 11
The Punjab excise and taxation department has decided that the annual VAT returns for 2011-12 will be received online in form VAT-20 through e-Return module being implemented by the department. The annual return will now be filed from December 1-31.
Temple jewellery a rage
Ludhiana, November 11
Temple jewellery is expected to become the flavour of marriage mania. The jewellery which used to adorn the idols was later worn by temple dancers and now the designs are becoming a part of the Indian woman's bridal jewellery trousseau.
Dry cleaner misplaces customer's designer attire
Ludhiana, November 11
Barely a few days before her wedding, a city resident has lodged a police complaint against a dry cleaner for allegedly selling an expensive designer suit, given for ironing. The woman was to wear the suit during a pre-wedding function.
Narrating her ordeal, Divya Jain, who was to get married this month, said, “My mother-in-law had given me a designer suit for a function scheduled for November 14.”
Fear of fire looms large over Mandi Ahmedgarh residents
Mandi Ahmedgarh, November 11
In the wake of the failure of successive governments in setting up a fire brigade in the town, the residents will have to celebrate Divali under the fear of accidental fire.
Although, the civil administration has earmarked special areas for the sale of crackers, none of the shopkeepers has come forward to organise vends at designated places.
Dealers defy instructions
 Jagraon, November 11
Notwithstanding the guidelines issued by the local administration regarding the sale of fireworks in the town, the sale of fireworks is continuing unchecked in majority of the areas of the town. Although, Jagraon SDM Gurmit Singh had allotted four specific locations for the sale of the crackers in the town to prevent occurrence of any unpleasant incident, yet their sale is going on unabated in various areas the town.
Officials of the health department examine eatables during a raid at a sweets shop in Jagraon
on Sunday. A tribune Photograph
Horticulture Congress: Farmers go hi-tech
Ludhiana, November 11
Farmers of the state have gone hi-tech and are using modern techniques for communication and sharing ideas about agriculture. It was observed during an interaction session with farmers during the 5th Indian Horticultural Congress, which concluded recently. During the congress, some farmers gave presentations. Some of the farmers demanded to develop mobile software and CDs for better communication among farmers and experts.
Members of knitwear club to visit Pakistan
Ludhiana, November 11
If Pakistan's cotton produce and India's machinery get together they will be able to produce a wonder product. Since Pakistan is known for its cotton production and knitwear industry from the city will be soon visiting Pakistan to learn about the fabric.
Ludhiana scan
Office-bearer elected
Rajinder Sharma was elected as the president of Shivpuri Mandal for
the second consecutive term. The BJP and Hindu Jagriti Morcha workers hailed the election result and congratulated Sharma on the occasion. The
workers expressed hope of good performance by Sharma.
Convention on Punjabi language organised
Ludhiana, November 11
A convention on Punjabi language was organised by Kendri Punjabi Lekhak Sabha at Punjabi Bhawan today. Dr Surjit Singh Bhatti and Dr Joga
Singh presented papers on the language. Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Punjab, Dr SS Johl, was also present on the occasion.
Memorial lecture, poetry session held
Ludhiana, November 11
A memorial lecture and poetry session dedicated to Punjabi poet Sant
Ram Udasi was organised at the Punjabi Bhawan today. It was organised by Sant Ram Udasi Likhari Sabha in association with the Kendri Likhari Sabha and the Punjabi Sahit Akademi.
PIFT celebrates Divali
Ludhiana, November 11
Divali celebrations were held at Pinnacle Institute of Fashion Technology (PIFT) recently. Students of PIFT showcased their talent by decorating the rooms and campus, which highlight the rich glorious civilisation of India. More than 100 students participated in the competition. The students made various theme-based dresses and participated in rangoli, candle making any many other events.
— TNS
3 killed in road accidents
Ludhiana, November 11
Three deaths were reported in three different incidents in the city today. In the first case, a person was hit by a speeding vehicle on the elevated bridge near Tyre Market. The victim sustained severe injuries and was admitted to the CMCH, Ludhiana. Later, he died at the hospital.
Gang of fraudsters busted
Ludhiana, November 11
With the arrest of a woman, the city police claimed to have busted a gang of fraudsters, who was involved in duping businessmen, today. According to the police, the gang used to visit industrial areas and convince the industrialists of getting easy loans by opening accounts in HDFC bank.
Man gets 6-yr term for reckless driving
Ludhiana, November 11
Judicial Magistrate Monika Chouhan has convicted a bus driver, Gurdev Singh of Mahalpur village,
Samrala, for reckless driving.
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