Diwali fever grips nation

Many thronged temples, distributed sweets and sent "Happy Diwali" greetings to friends and relatives, with SMS messages going to and fro all the time. After people had cleaned and decorated their homes with colourful rangolis and flowers on doorsteps, prayers floated in the morning air. Goddess of prosperity Lakshmi was invoked in many homes. Radhika Mishra, a marketing professional, said: "I got up early and went to the temple with my family. We also picked flowers and like every year my sister and I will decorate the courtyard with rangolis and diyas." Boxes of sweets were exchanged, and firecrackers and diyas (earthen lamps) were readied for the evening festival of lights. In the evening, millions of lights from tiny earthen diyas to dazzling strings of electric bulbs will light up homes, factories and offices. Homemaker Shuchi was busy cooking up a storm. She said: "I like to make the sweets myself and don't buy from the market. After the sweets are ready we will visit our relatives and friends, carrying gifts." Sanjay Singh said he "didn't want to miss out on the festivities and fun" and purchased firecrackers worth Rs.2,000. Expecting brisk business from last-minute buyers, confectioners opened early. Many people have extended their Diwali weekend and taken a small vacation. "I took the opportunity to go to Jodhpur with my wife. She was eager to see how the festival is celebrated in Rajasthan," Prateek Shah, an engineer, told IANS. Delhi Police beefed up security in all major markets on the occasion of the popular festival. Additional police personnel have been deployed to keep vigil. The fire service department too has geared up by mobilising its entire fleet. Festive mood gripped Bangaloreans as the three-day Diwali celebrations began with lights, colours and a bit of caution. Hundreds of homes across the city were decorated with strings of small bulbs of various colours while over the next three nights, traditional diyas will add a touch of tradition to the festival of lights. "I am going to enjoy Diwali fully. I know the state has been stuck by tragedy as floods have ravaged north Karnataka, but I want to forget all the sad incidents of past and want to welcome a new beginning for all by celebrating Diwali," Santosh Nair, a techie, told IANS. Echoing Santosh, BPO employee Soma Saha said Diwali is a festival of lights when one prayed for happiness of all. "Let us pray for a better future for all," said Soma during her last minute shopping for Diwali at Brigade Road, Bangalore's popular shopping hub. As people, particularly youth look forward to bursting crackers in the evenings, experts have advised the revellers to stay away from firecrackers as much as possible. The advice is not only because of possible burn injuries but also due to the high levels of pollution the city is suffering from. According to Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, Diwali celebrations in Bangalore during 2008 led to a high level of Respiratory Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM). Bangalore generally has RSPM level of 73 mg/m3. However, Diwali 2008 saw it rise to 159 mg/m3. In order to deal with any emergency health related cases, several helplines have been opened by various hospitals in the city. As eye-related cases see a rise in the city during Diwali, Narayana Nethralaya, a leading eye hospital, will remain open 24 hours for the next three days. Bengalis in the city are adding to the cultural scene by bringing in wandering minstrels - the Baul-Fakir singers - to enthrall Bangaloreans Saturday evening.