India celebrates Diwali, the festival of lights, with great enthusiasm

FP Staff • October 20, 2017, 14:08:24 IST

Whatsapp Facebook Twitter

Diwali, the festival of lights, was celebrated with pomp and religious fervour all across India on Thursday

Diwali, the festival of lights, was celebrated with pomp and religious fervour all across India on Thursday. AP

The festival, also known as Deepavali, is spread across five days, like most North Indian states. It begins with Dhanteras, followed by Choti Diwali, Lakshmi Pujan, Govardhan Puja, and finally culminates in Bhai Dooj. Reuters

People made rangolis, lighted diyas, and decorated their doorways with garlands made of mango leaves and marigolds. PTI

Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya from his 14-year exile after vanquishing demon-king Ravana. AP

There was festive spirit during the day with people thronging the markets for last-minute shopping. Markets were flooded with decorative items, diyas and marigold flowers. AP

Thousands of devotees on Thursday thronged the temples across India to celebrate the festival. They offered traditional sweets such as balushais, khasta, coconuts to their deity. PTI

The Swaminaryan temple in Surat too lit up on the occasion of diwali. Diwali is also celebrated as a harvest festival by farmers to commemmorate the advent of wealth and happiness. PTI

Diwali also marks the new year for business in many parts of the country. PTI

Called as “Chopda Poonjan”, traders workship their account books and computers. The blessing ceremony is performed by priests. AP

The festival was celebrated with fervour by army personnel posted near International border. Bordermen lit up diyas and brust crackers, however the traditional practice of exchanging sweets with Pakistani troops did not take place. PTI