Diwali, the festival of lights, was celebrated across India on Monday with traditional fervor, uniting citizens from all walks of life. From Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrating with naval personnel on the high seas to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's message of unity and harmony, the spirit of Diwali illuminated the nation.
Prime Minister Modi continued his tradition of spending Diwali with the armed forces, this year visiting the INS Vikrant off the coast of Goa and Karwar. Addressing the Navy personnel, he expressed gratitude for celebrating the festival with them, acknowledging their courage and dedication to the nation. Modi lauded the "extraordinary coordination" among the three defence services and said that the INS Vikrant brought Pakistan to its knees during Operation Sindoor. He emphasized the importance of the INS Vikrant as a symbol of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" and India's growing defense capabilities. Modi also highlighted the nation's success in eliminating Maoist terrorism, attributing it to the valour and determination of the security forces.
In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended Diwali greetings, emphasizing the importance of communal harmony and unity. In a social media post, she wished everyone a happy Diwali, hoping the festival would bring "happiness, peace, and prosperity to all, and inspire unity and harmony in our communities". Banerjee also shared a festive song, written and composed by her, invoking the blessings of Goddess Kali for peace and the removal of darkness. West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose echoed similar sentiments, wishing for the festival to illuminate lives and guide people towards harmony.
Across the country, Diwali was marked by the lighting of lamps, exchange of gifts, and prayers for prosperity. In Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, the banks of the Saryu River were illuminated with over 2.6 million oil lamps, retaining the Guinness World Record set last year. The event also featured the largest Saryu aarti, with 2,128 devotees participating. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended Diwali greetings, describing the festival as a "beacon of hope" and a symbol of the "eternal victory of truth".
However, Diwali celebrations in some cities were tempered by concerns over air pollution. In New Delhi, the level of the tiniest particulates surged, resulting in 'very poor' air quality. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) ordered the immediate implementation of measures under Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Despite these concerns, people celebrated with enthusiasm, with markets buzzing and streets lighting up. The Delhi Fire Service (DFS) remained on high alert, canceling leaves for officers and staff to ensure a prompt response to any fire-related incidents.
Beyond India, Diwali was celebrated by the Indian diaspora and others around the world. The Indian Consulate and the Indian Association Shanghai jointly organized a large Diwali celebration in Shanghai, with over 800 attendees. The event included Lakshmi Puja and performances showcasing Indian heritage, fostering cultural understanding between India and China.
Leaders across the political spectrum extended Diwali greetings. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wished for India to be illuminated by happiness and for every courtyard to be filled with joy, prosperity, and love. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also extended their greetings. President Droupadi Murmu urged citizens to celebrate safely, responsibly, and in an environmentally friendly manner, emphasizing the festival's message of mutual affection and brotherhood.
