Cold wave gripped in Jammu on Diwali eve

Jammu, Oct 20 (UNI) Cold wave today gripped the entire region, as the incessant rain played spoilsport on the eve of Diwali.

The day temperature dipped here to below 15 degree Celsius, forcing people to put on warm clothes.

The continuous downpour, which followed the hailstorm yesterday, also spoiled the festivities on the Diwali eve.

The bazaars, though decorated, were not having their desired look as special stalls for crackers and sweets were reduced to numbers.

People could neither shop nor exchange gifts properly due to unfavourable weather.

''It was a big blow on our business this year,'' a shopkeeper at Moti Bazaar said in his comments. ''We had to close our shops at six due to the hailstorm'' he added.

Even the booms of crackers, on the eve of Diwali, was also affected due to the wet weather.

The hailstorm and heavy rain, according to the reports, has destroyed the paddy in the fields.

UNI VJ MIR BST2052