New Delhi, Nov 4: Buildings were decorated with earthen lamps and colourful lights while people, dressed in their finest, exchanged gifts on Diwali which was celebrated across India amid Covid curbs and restrictions on firecrackers in some states.
People visiting temples maintained social distancing while many took the virtual route to convey their greetings although active Covid cases in India declined to the lowest number in 253 days.
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on the occasion of Diwali and hoped for their happiness and prosperity. Senior leaders across political parties took to social media to extend their best wishes.
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on lit a lamp on Diwali in honour of Indian soldiers.
In the national capital, skies hung heavy with smoke and its air quality inched towards the ‘severe’ category on Diwali night as people burst firecrackers in a blatant disregard to the government’s ban against it.
Across Punjab and Haryana, devotees queued up at temples and gurdwaras to pay their obeisance amid tight security. Bandi Chhor Divas, which coincides with Diwali, was also celebrated in Punjab.
The Golden Temple witnessed a huge rush of devotees since early morning who took a dip in its holy pond and offered prayers. (PTI)
