Pune illuminates with 65,000 lamps ahead of 'Diwali'

Pune, Oct 26 : Around 65,000 earthen lamps were lighted up on the occasion of 'Deepotsav' to herald Diwali, the festival of lights by hundreds of women at the Shaniwarwada Palace here.

The women worked meticulously, as they lighted up these traditional lamps popularly called 'Diyas', to create fascinating designs and patterns. Deepotsav is today an annual affair. Hundreds of visitors from across India and abroad converge here on this occasion. The even is being conducted by the Chaitanya Hasya Yoga Mandal (Chaitanya Laughter Yoga Group) since 2002.

"We have been celebrating the event since 2002. We have lighted up 65,000 diyas. We have made these designs after lot of hard work," said Vitthal Kate, an organiser.

For the visitors, the sight of so many lighted up lamps in different patterns is quite an enchanting experience.

"It feels good to be here, seeing so many Diyas. I have been coming here for past two-three years. These people make different designs every year," said Ritika Chander, a visitor.

ANI