Diwali celebrations on in Himachal Pradesh

HAMIRPUR: Diwali, the festival of lights and arrival of Lord Ram with Maa Sita, Brother Laxman and Lord Mahavir Hanuman Ji after fourteen years of exile is being celebrated throughout the state with full festivity and fervor. Markets are full of new items and there is a heavy rush at the stalls and shops of those selling sweets, crackers, utensils and other gift items.

Heavy rush of customers was seen in various markets of the state today to make purchases for the festival despite sharp rise in prices of almost all commodities. Poor people and the salaried class people with meager resources at their disposal are having a black Diwali this time as their purchase capacity has gone down. They are not in position to make huge purchases likewise previous years as the prices of almost all items have gone beyond their control.

People are visiting their relatives and friends and giving them Diwali greetings by offering them sweets, dry fruits and other items as per their capacity.

The sound of bursting of crackers has started from early hours and it is likely to continue till mid night.

Meanwhile, Justice V.S. Kokje, the HP Governor, Chief Minister, Vir Bhadra Singh and Prem Kumar Dhumal, MP and former chief minister have felicitated the people of the State on the eve of Diwali.

Governor, in his message on the occasion said that the festival of lights, Diwali, symbolized the journey from ignorance towards knowledge and lights the lamp of knowledge within us. He said that it also signifies victory of truth over evil.

Chief Minister, in his message on the occasion said that the festival was an occasion to share joy and happiness with the near and dear ones. He hoped that the festival would bring prosperity and happiness into the lives of the people of the Pradesh.

Dhumal wished happy Diwali to the people of the state. He expressed optimism that this Diwali would help them to end their sufferings.