Exuberance marks Deepawali celebrations across J&K

Jammu, Nov 1: Jammu Friday wore a bridal look with an illuminating skyline and tastefully decorated houses, temples and markets, imbuing intrinsic splendour and spirit of the festival of lights – Deepawali.

Sparkling decor amid fire-crackers added to festive hues across the Jammu region.

A significant aspect of the Deepawali celebration this year was that some parts of the Jammu region celebrated the festival on Thursday also, taking a cue from other parts of the country.

However, the majority parts of Jammu district celebrated it on Friday with religious fervour and festivity. Dazzling lights had weaved a heavenly charm all across city markets and houses.

To mark the auspicious occasion, 2500 earthen lamps were lit inside Raghunath temple, dedicated to Lord Rama and other deities.

“This was a special initiative to be in alignment with the festive spirit that marked Ayodhya this year,” said a devotee, who was part of this initiative.

The festival, celebrated on ‘No-Moon’ night of the eighth (Kartik) month of the Hindu calendar, delineates the triumph of light over darkness; good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

It is believed that Lord Rama along with the Goddess Sita and brother Lakshman had returned to Ayodhya after 14-year exile.

The celebrations continue for five days beginning from Dhanteras, followed by Chhoti Deepawali, Deepawali, which falls on Amavasya (new or no moon day), Goverdhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.

Well-illuminated markets witnessed brisk business of earthen lamps, buntings, lanterns, flowers, gifts, sweet-packs and idols of deities. As a positive development, people showed keen interest in shopping for eco-friendly products.

“Vocal for local” also resonated with the shoppers as they preferred to buy earthen lamps and hand-made Torans (decorative products).

Special stalls for the sale of crackers were erected on the ground behind Hari Singh Park, Ban Talab, Janipur, and Gandhinagar areas.

Udhampur Senior Citizen Club celebrated Diwali with police personnel at Udhampur Police Station. SHO Raghubir Singh welcomed them and exchanged sweets.

“Police personnel continue to perform duties on the festival also. We could celebrate because they were performing duties on the occasion of Deepawali,” senior citizens said.

In the evening, special Pujas (Lakshmi Pujan) were performed after lighting candles and Diyas, both designer and earthen lamps. Later, people burst crackers and savoured sweets.

The festival was also celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir with stalls set up at Lal Chowk in Kashmir and firecrackers burst till late in the evening near Srinagar’s iconic Ghanta Ghar.

The Hindu community in Kashmir exchanged sweets with their friends from other communities while the bursting of firecrackers and colourful skylines was seen across different districts of the Valley.