GUWAHATI, Oct 26 - Diwali and Kali Puja would be celebrated throughout the State along with rest of the country tomorrow. Diwali or Deepavali � the festival of lights, which signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, is celebrated enthusiastically throughout the State by lighting earthen lamps and bursting fire-crackers.
The devout Hindus worship Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Ganesh, who is considered as the remover of obstacles, on this occasion.
People illuminate every corner of their houses seeking the blessings of the almighty for good health, wealth and prosperity. Exchanging of sweets with the near and dear ones is an integral part of the festival. Lamps are lit at the entrance of houses to illuminate the dark amavasya night and also to welcome the Goddess.
Kali Puja is also observed in most of the temples and thaans on the tithi of amavasya.
As the strings of electric lights and LED bulbs have taken place of the earthen diyas and candles, people decorate their houses with colourful lights. In cities in particular, the big buildings decorated with colourful sparkling lights present a spectacular sight.
Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi has greeted the people of Assam on the occasion of Kali Puja and Deepavali. In a message to all sections of the people of Assam, Prof Mukhi said, �Deepavali, the festival of lights, is celebrated to dispel the darkness and give wisdom a chance to prevail over ignorance. On this pious occasion of Deepavali, I call upon everybody to celebrate the festival spreading the message of universal brotherhood and harmonious coexistence.�
The Governor also called upon all sections of people to celebrate the festival by abjuring high decibel fire crackers and giving �Swachhata Hi Seva� a chance to make the society clean and green.
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, greeting the people on the occasion, expressed hopes that the festival of lights would illuminate the homes and hearts of the people. �I wish peace and prosperity to all sections of the people of the State on this auspicious occasion,� he said.
A number of social and environmental organizations have also asked the people to celebrate the festival in an eco-friendly way, without causing much pollution. The NGOs have appealed to follow the Supreme Court order on bursting of crackers and observe the festival in a responsible manner caring for the animals and the environments. Appeals have also been made to abstain from bursting high sounding fire crackers near hospitals or other places where it can affect patients, children, elderly people and also animals.
Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) president Atul Bora also extended Diwali greetings to the people of Assam. Industry and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary also extended his warm greetings to the people.
