GUWAHATI, Oct 29 - Gripped in the spirit of the festival of lights, the State is ready to celebrate Diwali tomorrow along with rest of the country. Diwali, a festival associated with the victory of virtuous over the evil symbolised by the earthen lamps expelling the darkness of Amavashya (new moon) night, holds a spiritual significance along with the festivities.
Diwali is also a festival of prosperity and good fortune, in which Laxmi � the Goddess of wealth � is invoked and devotees seek her blessings for opulence.
However, for the people of Assam, the date of Diwali this year coinciding with one of the major terror strike in the State, the celebrations will also include prayers for the victims of the October 30 serial blasts, and protest and condemnation against all forms of violence.
As the earthen lamps and tiny lights illuminating the buildings and streets give a bridal look to the State, especially the cities and towns, celebration of Diwali starts with dhanteras, when people buy precious metals like gold and silver for good luck. Banana trees are put up in front of houses and shops for decorating the entrances with earthen lamps.
Guwahati is also having a fair share of festivities with artistically decorated building, dazzling string lights and LED bulbs illuminating every corner of the city. The market was abuzz with people busy in last minute shopping of fire crackers, sweets, lights and other essential items for the festival.
Kali Puja, another major festival that coincides with Diwali, is also being celebrated today with traditional fervour. As the puja is performed in the night, the temples dedicated to the Goddess were teeming with devotees since evening today. Pandals have also been put up in different parts of the city with arrangements to perform Kali Puja rituals.
Many organisations and leading citizens have made an appeal to the people to abstain from bursting firecrackers in a show of respect to the serial blast victims. Environmental NGOs, the district administration and conscious citizens have also called for an eco-friendly Diwali celebration.
