GUWAHATI, Oct 30 - Along with the rest of the country, Diwali � the festival of lights � was celebrated with much fanfare across the State today. Lighting of earthen lamps and cracker bursting marked the festival as devotees worshipped the Goddess of wealth Laxmi for prosperity and good luck.
While the youths celebrated the festival with great enthusiasm, bursting high decibel fire crackers and colourful firework that illuminated the evening skyline, devotees performed pujas at home and at temples to please the deity.
Decorating and illuminating homes being an integral part of the festivities, colourful alpana (decorative patterns and motifs) adorned the floors even as dazzling lights illuminated houses and buildings.
People in Guwahati also celebrated the festival with much pomp and gaiety. However, a large number of people preferred a low-key celebration as they stayed away from bursting high sounding crackers and lighted earthen lamps to pay homage to the victims of the October 30 serial bomb blasts that had rattled the city along with some other parts of the State.
With the Diwali date this year coinciding with the date of the mayhem in 2008, several organizations and well as conscious citizens had appealed people to abstain from bursting crackers to honour the sentiments of those who lost their near and dear ones on this day, as well as to register protest against terror activities.
Many apartments in the city also arranged for a community celebration of the festival, with various cultural activities and competitions among women and children. People greeted each other and exchanged sweets and dry fruits.
Sweet shops and shopping malls offering eye-catching festive deals also did brisk business during Diwali.
