Deepawali, festival of lights is being celebrated across the country with traditional fervor and gaiety.
The festival symbolises the removal of darkness and gloom and bringing happiness, peace and prosperity in the life of people.
AIR correspondent reports that adequate security arrangements are in place at market and other public places in the National Capital to keep a close watch on suspects.
Delhi is wearing a festive look with homes and buildings and markets tastefully decorated with colorful lights and flowers. Some people have also erected Rangoli on the entrance of their homes. On this auspicious day, people exchange Diwali greetings, wishes and gifts to each other. There is a lot of rush in the market place with people last minute shopping ahead of Puja this evening.
People light clay diyas and candles all around their houses in the evening. This year the use of fire crackers has been very less as people have been increasingly conscious of environmental concerns. Delhi fire services have made elaborate arrangements to ensure an incident-free Diwali. Extra fire tenders have been kept ready to attend any emergency.
Presidents, Vice President, Prime Minister and UPA Chairperson have greeted the people on the occasion.
In their separate messages, Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, Mohd. Hamid Ansari, Dr. Manmohan Singh and Mrs. Sonia Gandhi expressed hope that the festival of lights will dispel darkness and gloom and bring joy, happiness and prosperity to the people.
In the United States, Senate passed a resolution greeting Hindus, Sikhs and Jains in the US and across the globe on the occasion of Diwali. Noting that Diwali is a festival of great significance to Indian Americans and South Asian Americans, the Senate lauded the universal message of compassion it offers to the world.
British Prime Minister David Cameron recounted the contribution of British Indians to national life during an event to celebrate Diwali at his official residence, 10, Downing Street in London. Calling it his 'second Diwali celebration as Prime Minister, Mr. Cameron told the gathering of prominent Britons of Indian origin, and others, that the contribution of the Indian community to British national life is great.
AIR West Asia correspondent reports the festival of lights is being held with traditional gaiety and fervour among the expatriate Indian community in Dubai.
