New Delhi, October 20: India lit up in a dazzling spectacle of lamps, diyas, fireworks and prayers on Sunday as millions celebrated Diwali — the festival symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the country wore a festive look as people decorated their homes, exchanged sweets, and offered prayers for prosperity and happiness.
The festival, also known as Deepavali, marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. The celebrations began early in the morning with prayers and rituals, and continued through the day with family gatherings, feasts and lighting of diyas after sunset.
In Delhi, despite air quality concerns, families stepped out to exchange gifts and visit temples, while markets had seen heavy rush in the past week. The Akshardham Temple, the Red Fort, and India Gate were illuminated with decorative lights, adding to the festive spirit. Police and civic agencies had urged people to use green crackers and follow safety guidelines as the city’s air quality index slipped into the ‘very poor’ category.
In Varanasi, the ghats along the Ganga were adorned with thousands of earthen lamps that shimmered in reflection across the river. Devotees gathered for Ganga Aarti as chants, bells, and conch shells filled the air. “Diwali in Kashi is not just a festival, it’s a spiritual experience,” said a pilgrim from Gujarat, watching diyas float downstream.
In Ayodhya, where Lord Rama’s return is believed to have inspired the festival, celebrations reached their peak. The city hosted a grand ‘Deepotsav’, lighting over 20 lakh diyas along the banks of the Saryu River. The entire temple town glittered as people gathered to witness the spectacle, setting another world record for the largest display of oil lamps. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered prayers at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple and wished citizens happiness and peace.
In South India, Diwali was celebrated a day earlier in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, following regional traditions that commemorate Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. People woke up before dawn, took oil baths, wore new clothes, and burst crackers. In Kerala, while the festival is not celebrated as widely, homes were still lit with diyas and rangolis adorned courtyards.
In western India, Maharashtra and Gujarat celebrated with Lakshmi Puja in the evening, marking the beginning of the new financial year for traders and businessmen. Markets and jewellery shops remained open till late as people made symbolic purchases of gold, silver and new utensils. “It’s a festival of fresh beginnings and positive energy,” said Ramesh Patel, a shop owner in Ahmedabad.
In Kolkata, the night coincided with Kali Puja, where devotees worshipped Goddess Kali — the destroyer of evil. Temples and pandals across the city were decorated with flowers, lights and incense, as priests performed elaborate rituals. Fireworks lit up the skies along the Hooghly River, and devotees thronged the Dakshineswar and Kalighat temples through the night.
In Jammu and Kashmir, devotees visited temples amid tight security arrangements. The historic Raghunath Temple in Jammu and Hanuman Mandir in Srinagar witnessed large gatherings of devotees lighting diyas and offering prayers. The Badrinath Dham in Uttarakhand was decorated with over 12 quintals of marigold flowers for the occasion, attracting thousands of pilgrims who braved the cold to witness the divine spectacle.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to citizens, calling Diwali a reminder of “the eternal victory of light, truth, and compassion.” He celebrated the festival with soldiers at a forward post along the border, continuing his annual tradition of spending Diwali with the armed forces. “Your dedication and courage keep the nation safe — you are our real heroes,” he told the troops.
President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also greeted citizens, urging everyone to celebrate responsibly and work towards unity and prosperity. “May this festival of lights dispel darkness from our hearts and lives,” the President said in her message.
Across the country, social media was flooded with festive wishes and glimpses of glittering cityscapes. Bollywood celebrities shared photos of their home celebrations, while leaders from various political parties sent greetings to their followers.
Even as the joy of celebration filled the air, authorities continued to appeal for restraint in bursting crackers to curb pollution and prevent accidents. In several states, special teams were deployed to monitor violations and ensure public safety.
As the night deepened, the glow of countless lamps — in homes, temples and streets — united a billion people in celebration, faith and hope. Diwali, in all its light and warmth, once again reminded the nation that even in challenging times, the flame of goodness can never be extinguished.
