Across India, from the rain-kissed streets of Chennai to the illuminated markets of Delhi and Bengaluru, and from the temple courtyards of Tripura to the cozy homes of Punjab, Diwali was celebrated with great enthusiasm and brilliance. Even as the nation glowed with festive spirit, the capital city experienced a lingering haze of pollution.
While Mumbai’s Shivaji Park shimmered with spectacular fireworks and Srinagar’s Ghanta Ghar lit up with earthen lamps, the Golden Temple in Amritsar was adorned with beautiful lights, and the India Gate in Delhi displayed the vibrant colors of the Indian flag.
Delhi’s Diwali: A Mix of Celebration and Smog
Homes and buildings throughout Delhi were aglow with decorative lights and diyas, reflecting the grandeur of the Diwali celebrations. Despite the Supreme Court’s guidelines allowing only certified eco-friendly firecrackers, the night sky was filled with fireworks.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his warm wishes, hoping the festival would illuminate lives with harmony, happiness, prosperity, and positivity. However, as the festivities peaked, the city’s air quality saw a decline, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index rising significantly, and warnings issued about it potentially entering the ‘severe’ category.
Chennai’s Festivities Shine Through the Rain
In Tamil Nadu, Deepavali was celebrated with traditional fervor, undeterred by heavy rainfall. People began the day early, dressed in new clothes, exchanging sweets, and setting off firecrackers. Despite overcast skies, streets in Chennai were decorated with lamps and colorful rangolis.
The spirit of the festival was evident as people engaged in customary rituals, enjoyed fireworks, and adorned their homes with lights and traditional art.
Bengaluru’s Markets Buzz with Activity
Bengaluru’s popular markets, including KR Market, Chickpet, and Avenue Road, were bustling with crowds eager to purchase sweets, flowers, and decorative items for Diwali. Following the Supreme Court’s directives, firecracker usage was restricted to specific hours, with authorities intensifying checks on illegal sales of non-green crackers.
To manage the festive rush, the Bengaluru Traffic Police deployed additional personnel to ease congestion near temples and shopping areas. Hospitals also set up special emergency units to handle any firecracker-related injuries.
Punjab and Haryana: A Festival of Light and Compassion
A palpable festive spirit filled Punjab and Haryana, with temples and gurdwaras seeing large gatherings of devotees. Families welcomed Diwali with lights, laughter, and shared moments of joy. Last-minute shoppers filled the markets, and streets were beautifully lit with diyas and electric lamps.
In a touching gesture, Haryana Police personnel celebrated Diwali with orphans, the elderly, and the homeless, emphasizing the festival’s message of compassion and shared smiles.
Uttarakhand: Hope Amidst Adversity
In flood-affected Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami celebrated Diwali with residents of Sahastradhara, an area impacted by recent cloudbursts. He assured the villagers of ongoing rehabilitation efforts and continued support.
“Diwali is not just a festival of lights, but of compassion and unity. The light of hope and smiles should continue to burn in our lives,” Dhami remarked while inspecting reconstruction work in the Dehradun district.
West Bengal: Devotion and Festivity
In Kolkata, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee offered prayers to Maa Kaali at the Kalighat Temple, coinciding with Kali Puja and Diwali celebrations. She also shared a devotional song she composed, extending her greetings to the people of West Bengal.
Tripura: Traditions at Ancient Shrines
In Tripura, Chief Minister Manik Saha marked the start of a three-day Diwali celebration at the historic 500-year-old Maa Tripura Sundari temple. Thousands of devotees participated in the ‘Kalyan Arati,’ illuminating the ancient shrine with lamps.
The Chief Minister highlighted the government’s efforts to develop religious sites to promote spiritual tourism in the northeastern state.