New Delhi [India], October 31 (ANI): From the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene ghats of Varanasi to mesmerising Tamil Nadu and every state of India, the whole nation is celebrating the festival of lights, Diwali with great fervour and enthusiasm. Whether its Laxmi Puja or bursting of crackers, people in all over the nation are engaged in the festivities and the enchanting rituals.
Visuals from Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, etc. have shown the states engulfed in the celebrations and festivities ritual.
Meanwhile, a huge throng of devotees have emerged in several temples of different states.
Visuals from 'Pink City' Jaipur shows the city illuminated in colourful lights on the occasion of Diwali while people in Lucknow offered prayers to Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi at their residences, on this festive occasion.
People in Kolkata, Thoothukudi, Bathinda, Lucknow, Aligarh, Nellore, Pune, Hyderabad, Kottayam, Vishakhapatnam, etc. burst crackers as they celebrate the joyous festival Diwali.
In Delhi, devotees offered prayers at Sree Vinayaka temple in Sarojini Nagar, Pracheen Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place and Shri Laxmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir). Several areas of Delhi illuminated in colourful lights on the occasion of Diwali.
In contrary to most of the people, Birla Mandir in Delhi is celebrating Diwali on November 1. Priest Lal Chand Sharma at Birla Mandir said that at least ten scriptures testified that Diwali should be celebrated tomorrow on November 1, hence the temple is celebrating Diwali on November 1.
"As it is well known that the festival of lights Diwali, is a 5-day long program of our Indian culture, out of which we have already celebrated the day of Dhanteras on the 29th...We at Birla Mandir are celebrating Diwali on 1st November...At least ten scriptures testify that Deepawali should be celebrated tomorrow on 1st November...I extend my best wishes to everyone on the occasion of Deepawali..." Sharma said.
Meanwhile, from political strain to film fraternity and sports amenity, wishes and greetings from several legends poured in for citizens of the country on this festive eve.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on President Droupadi Murmu and extended her Diwali greetings. PM Modi met President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of Diwali. The Prime Minister also met Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and extended blessings on Diwali. He celebrated Diwali with the brave personnel from the BSF, Army, Navy, and Air Force at Lakki Nala in the Creek Area of Kutch, Gujarat.
On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, several sports stars shared their heartfelt wishes, spreading joy and positivity. Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar extended his warm Diwali greetings, emphasising the importance of being a source of joy in someone's life.
B-town celebs are also joining in the festive spirit with great enthusiasm. Parineeti Chopra, too, joined the festive cheer. The 'Chamkila' actress shared a series of beautiful pictures from her Diwali celebration on her Instagram account, giving her fans a glimpse of her special day.
Star couple Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor were spotted celebrating Diwali as the trio were seen visiting Ranbir's mother, Neetu Kapoor, on the festive occasion. Varun Dhawan was spotted with his wife Natasha Dalal at their office for a Diwali puja.
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of India's biggest festivals, symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. People decorate their homes with diyas, lights, and rangoli, exchange sweets, and come together for prayers and celebrations. (ANI)
India shines bright as nation engulfs in Diwali festivities and traditions
