The Golden Temple of Amritsar has seen devotees arriving in large numbers.
Covid-19 restrictions, pollution and a firecracker ban cast a shadow over Deepawali mega-festival celebrations across the county on Saturday. However, lights adorned the buildings and earthen lamps dotted the houses.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the people of Diwali.
A woman places an oil lamp on a Rangoli during Diwali in Delhi. (AFP)
As in previous years, PM Modi celebrated Diwali with soldiers. The Prime Minister visited the Longewala Post in Rajasthan and spent his time as soldiers there.
“… The world knows today that we will not compromise with our interests at any cost,” he said.
PM Narndra Modi at Diwali celebrations in Jaisalmer.
In Mumbai, the country’s financial capital, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headed by Shiv Sena has announced restrictions on the use of crackers and fireworks. The city’s markets were crowded despite fear and Covid restrictions.
A woman who pops the cracker on Diwali. (PTI)
As every year, the Golden Temple of Amritsar saw devotees arriving in large numbers as it was lit with a special lighting system and traditional “ diyas ”.
The Golden Temple of Amritsar on November 14, 2020.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the army, central paramilitary forces and police personnel enthusiastically celebrated the festival at their sites along the border and in the hinterland, amid strict vigilance to Pakistan’s recent ceasefire violations.
Students at the government girls’ hostel prepare to burn Covid-19 coronavirus during Diwali in Hyderabad on November 14, 2020 (AFP)
The temples also witnessed a strong stampede, although people were seen observing social distancing and following other guidelines and safety measures against VOCID-19, officials said.
