Diwali, Festival Of Lights, Illuminates Celebrations Across The Country Today:
Diwali, observed on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartik, represents the triumph of light over darkness. Markets are teeming with shoppers looking for rangoli colours, earthen lamps, and festive embellishments as families clean and decorate their homes. While fireworks remain an integral part of the celebration, despite a Supreme Court ban, the festival's essence lies in the vibrant spirit of unity and joy.
Diwali is synonymous in Gujarat with the energetic Garba and Dandiya Raas dances, which infuse the state with a festive buzz. Families in South India create intricate 'kolams' on their doorsteps, and prayers accompanied by traditional rituals bring communities together. Bengal celebrates Kali Puja, which combines spirituality and cultural events, while Maharashtra begins Diwali with Vasubaras, which honours cows as a symbol of gratitude.
In Odisha, a unique tradition known as Bada Badua Daka commemorates the day by invoking ancestors and asking for their blessings. Meanwhile, traditional dances and rituals add a cultural twist to Diwali in Northeast India. Tihar, a local celebration in Sikkim, involves lighting diyas and paying homage to creatures associated with Yama, the Hindu god of death.
Tripura CM To Inaugurate Diwali Festival At Tripureswari Temple Today:
On Sunday, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha will kick off a three-day Diwali festival at Tripureswari temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peeths in Udaipur's Gomati district.
To ensure peaceful celebrations of the festival of light, security has been beefed up in and around the 700-year-old temple, news agency PTI reported.
The inaugural function will also be attended by State Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, and Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma. On Sunday, the temple will open at 4.30 AM, and the priests will perform the Chandi path, one of the worship rituals.
"On Diwali, the Tripura Sundari deity will be adorned with special ornaments. As usual, the puja will begin at 10 AM on Sunday. A special puja will be organised in the evening," said Chandan Chakraborty, the temple's head priest, as reported by PTI.
He said the temple will be open until Sunday night, but will close at 11 PM on Monday and Tuesday.
"The fair around the temple will continue as planned. Everything is in place to celebrate Diwali with pomp and gaiety," he said.
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