Indians celebrate festival of lights -- Diwali

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Sunday, October 26, 2003

Indians celebrate festival of lights -- Diwali

Houses were aglitter with myriad of lights as people across the country celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights, on Saturday, with fire crackers, frenetic shopping and prayers.

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Houses were aglitter with myriad of lights as people across the country celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights, on Saturday, with fire crackers, frenetic shopping and prayers.

As soon as the twilight descended, earthenware lamps and candles were lit and children set off multi-flamed bombs and fired rockets into the sky to celebrate the most popular Hindu festival with joy and happiness.

Armed with modern gizmos, police can be seen patrolling in the streets, keeping vigil and looking for unruly revelers as people flocked markets for last-minute shopping.

Diwali, marking the beginning of the new financial year for traders, is celebrated in honor of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, who it is believed visits places that are clean and spotless.

Therefore, a few weeks before the festival, people get their houses cleaned and walls whitewashed.

Legend has it that Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the return of Hindu's Gods Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana to Ayodhya after the slaying of demon king Ravana.

Although Diwali brings light into the lives of Indian people, the lighting of fire crackers could pose a few health hazards and lead to mishaps.

Experts say that children seem to be particularly vulnerable during Diwali since they are the ones who are most enthusiastic about lighting fire crackers.

A 12-year-old girl and an 55-year-old woman died in an explosion from firecracker material stored in a house in Darbi village, 15 km from New Delhi, police sources said on Saturday.

The incident occurred on Friday. Under the impact of the explosion, the roof and one of the walls of the house were demolished.

Experts also warned that fire crackers could be a causative factor leading to numerous health hazards. Besides, they enhance noise and air pollution levels. The harmful chemicals emitted through smoke are known to cause asthma, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis and other respiratory problems.

Despite of that, fire cracker noise can be heard around the capital city.

"It is a happy day and I won't let it pass without making some fun," a middle school boy said near his house while lighting a big firecracker.

Meanwhile, President A P J Abdul Kalam, Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee have all greeted the people on the occasion.

"May this festival of lights radiate happiness and prosperity in every home across our country. On this auspicious occasion let the lamp of compassion, love and righteousness be lit," the President said in his message to the people.

The Prime Minister said, "this festival of lights gives us inspiration to fight against all odds and move forward on the path of progress and prosperity."

Usually people can have one day off in Diwali, but this year the festival falls on Saturday, allowing people to have two days off for celebration.

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