New Delhi/Kolkata, Nov 13 (IBNS): The nation is soaked into the mood of festivity on Tuesday as people across the country are celebrating the festival of lights, Diwali.
While rest of India celebrates Diwali, West Bengal, Assam and few of the eastern Indian states worship Hindu goddess Kali on this very day.
In many households goddess of wealth and prosperity Laxmi is also worshipped.
Every house across India are decorated with bright lights, lamps and colourful rangolis as a part of the festival.
In the evening, people belonging to different age groups and specially children will be busy bursting firecrackers or showcasing fireworks in the night sky.
It is believed that firecrackers are burst to drive away evil spirits.
During Diwali, people wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends.
On the other hand, Kali puja is worshipped in households as well as in pandals where like Durga Puja organizers decorate the special pandals (temporary pavilions) in Kolkata and rest of West Bengal.
From Chetla area in south to Amherst Street in north, people hop pandals to see the idols and in the evening the special Kali Puja illumination.
In the Kalighat Temple in Kolkata, Kali is worshipped as Lakshmi on this day so as to reflect an essence of Vaishnava Haldars on Kali worship. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees who offer animal sacrifices to the goddess.
Another famous temple dedicated to Kali in Kolkata is Dakshineswar Kali Temple. The famous Kali devotee Ramakrishna Paramhansa was a priest at this temple. The celebrations have changed little from his time.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice-President Hamid Ansari have sent out their greetings to fellow countrymen on the occasion of Diwali.
In his greetings, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wished all a very happy Diwali and expressed the hope that the festival of lights this year will mark the beginning of a new phase of optimism for each one of his countrymen.
He also wished peace and prosperity for the people.
In his message, the President said, “On the joyous occasion of Diwali, I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to my countrymen in India and around the world. Diwali is a time for festivity and happiness cutting across all faiths and cultures. It is an occasion to share our joy with those who are needy and deprived."
"The diyas lit on the moonless night of Diwali signify the end of the darkness of ignorance and the beginning of light that enlightens all."
"On this auspicious occasion, let us channelize our energies towards vanquishing want and suffering and strive hard for collective growth. May this Festival of Lights dispel darkness and bring joy and prosperity to all.
"I urge all Indians to try and celebrate a pollution free Diwali,” said Mukherjee.
Ansari extended his best wishes to all citizens and said the celebration of Diwali promotes the spirit of love, compassion and brotherhood.
In his message, Ansari said: “I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all the citizens of our country on the auspicious occasion of Deepawali."
"The celebration of this festival promotes the spirit of love, compassion and brotherhood amongst us and at the same time removes bigotry, hatred and ignorance from our midst.
"May the festival of lights shower peace, progress and prosperity on all,” he said.
Meanwhile, the young and enthusiastic employees of automobile major Maruti Suzuki are all set to celebrate Diwali in different way this year. Stepping aside from the usual activities of Diwali, they have decided to contribute their most valuable asset ‘TIME’ in making this Diwali memorable for others rather themselves.
Under the “e-parivartan” program, these youngsters are visiting volunteering centres to work towards this noble and more satisfying cause.
One such initiative undertaken recently was a ‘diya decorating’ competition organized at a volunteering centre recently.
The children at the center with great enthusiasm decorated the diyas using paints, crystals, glitters and other decorative items. They were mentored by young Maruti Suzuki employees. Once the competition was over, the children gifted their creations to the volunteers.
Diwali has got a commercial angle too and various companies are taking the opportunity to popularize their products and services, albeit with discounts and special offers.
Keeping the festive season in mind, Bombay High, the premium unisex ready-to-wear apparel brand from the house of Cottstown Fashions Ltd launched the ‘Style Smart’ bonanza where shoppers got a chance to win a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 every week.
Titan Eye Plus launches a limited collection of Wrap Sunglasses for bikers.
The ‘Bikers’ collection from Cabana sunglass range of Titan Eye Plus targeted bikers. The new collection of sunglasses inspired by International single lens wrap designs is available in 12 different styles.
To make shopping a memorable experience, Gitanjali Group is giving away the best offers to make celebrations grander.
The offer spreads across all Gitanjali brands Asmi, Gili, D'damas, Nakshatra, Parineeta, Diya, Sangini, Gitanjali Jewels, Shuddhi jewels ,Gdivas, Jewel Souk, ME Jewels, Menz , Sagaee, Envi, Moira & Karina. One could grab a free diamond and pearl jewellery with every purchase of more than Rs. 15, 000 starting Oct 20 to Nov.
Food and sweets play and important role in any Indian festival and Diwali is no exception to it.
Keeping in mind the importance of food, Chokola, who are known for their delectable chocolates, have brought special Diwali collection.
Packaged in retro styled boxes, the mock firecracker-themed chocolates give customers a choice to present an ideal gift during the festive season.
One could choose from a selection of four exciting choices- Choko Sparkles, Choko Blast, Rocket Rose and Choko Anaar.
The chocolates are attractively packaged as combo pack at Rs. 2295.
Patchi, leading premium chocolate brand, announced its "irresistible" range of exquisite chocolates, sugar free and packaging for Diwali.
Diwali gift collection are arranged in Patchi’s gift boxes that are available in beautiful colours, designs, shapes of Ganesh & Laxmi decors with delicious fillings.
