People Celebrate Diwali with Enthusiasm Across India; Delhi Residents Ignore Firecracker Ban

Buildings adorned with colourful lights and houses lit with earthen lamps marked Diwali celebrations across India. In Delhi, residents ignored the firecracker ban, resulting in an air quality index (AQI) of 327 at 9 pm, categorised as very poor. Despite this, the festive spirit remained high as people celebrated one of the most cherished Hindu festivals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued his tradition of celebrating Diwali with soldiers by visiting Sir Creek near the Indo-Pak border in Gujarat's Kutch district. He offered sweets to the jawans and emphasised India's unwavering stance on its borders. "India cannot compromise on even an inch of land on its borders," Modi stated, highlighting the nation's trust in its armed forces.

Diwali Celebrations Across India

In Uttar Pradesh, a tragic accident occurred when a tempo carrying six people was hit by a tractor in Budaun, resulting in their deaths. The victims were returning home to celebrate Diwali. Meanwhile, in Andhra Pradesh, a man lost his life when the firecrackers he was carrying exploded while he was on a two-wheeler.

In West Bengal, Kali Puja and Diwali were celebrated with enthusiasm. Decorated pandals added to the festive atmosphere across the state. Authorities allowed only green fireworks, with police and pollution control officials ensuring compliance. Long queues formed at famous temples like Tarapith and Dakshineswar.

Meanwhile, troops from India and China exchanged sweets at various border points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), including locations in eastern Ladakh. This exchange took place at all five Border Personnel Meeting points along the LAC, such as Bum La and Wacha/Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh.

Regional Celebrations and Traditions

In Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami celebrated Diwali with army soldiers at Lansdowne cantonment. He expressed gratitude for their service, stating that people can celebrate Diwali at home because soldiers protect the country's borders. Dhami also distributed sweets and gifts among soldiers and martyrs' families.

In Rajasthan, markets buzzed with activity as people shopped for clothes, sweets, and firecrackers. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma extended Diwali greetings on social media. In Goa, celebrations began with the burning of Narakasur demon effigies to symbolise the triumph of good over evil.

More than 20 lakh devotees gathered at Chitrakoot on the Madhya Pradesh-Uttar Pradesh border for Diwali. According to mythology, Lord Ram spent much of his exile here. Devotees took a dip in the Mandakini river and participated in the deep-daan ceremony.

Leaders Extend Festive Greetings

Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi conveyed his Diwali wishes through a video message. He expressed his government's commitment to advancing the state's development. "My heartiest congratulations to all brothers and sisters of Odisha on Diwali," Majhi said.

The festival is linked to Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana during his 14-year exile. It signifies good triumphing over evil. People dressed traditionally, exchanged sweets and gifts, and visited temples to mark this auspicious occasion.

The celebrations across India were mostly peaceful despite some incidents. The festival brought together communities in joy and unity, reflecting its cultural significance throughout the country.