JORHAT, Nov 15 - The Diwali celebrations this year were low-key compared to previous years, with bursting of crackers seemingly less and the illuminations slightly muted.
As evening descended on Saturday, shops, businesses establishments and residences in Jorhat town were lit up with earthen lamps and decorative lights. Banana plants, traditionally put up in front of shops as part of the decorations, were comparatively missing, and only a few were seen in some areas.
Bursting of firecrackers that started after the sunset appeared to be much less than earlier years and spectacular fireworks seen earlier in the sky were also missing. The sound of firecrackers bursting, too, was low in the evening.
It may be mentioned here that though no complete ban on bursting of firecrackers was imposed by the Jorhat district administration, several restrictions on sale and use of crackers were clamped. However, sale of imported crackers was prohibited and bursting of crackers allowed only till 10 pm by the district administration.
The administration had directed people to follow COVID-19 protocol during the Diwali and Kali Puja celebrations.
Sivasagar Correspondent adds: Diwali and Kali Puja were celebrated in a subdued manner throughout the district. At the historic Kalibari Kali Mandir, Kali Puja rituals were conducted following strict COVID-19 protocol till late into the night. Devotees stood in long queues before entering the temple premises. The temple committee provided free masks and sanitizers to those who came without them.
At the Babupatty Kali Mandir, rituals were performed with the traditional sanctity. The traditional gift coupon lucky draws that attract thousands of people on Diwali night was missing yesterday.
In Nazira, Amguri, Demow and Moran, Diwali was celebrated without festivities due to the pandemic situation, though bright lights lit up the homes and streets. Only a few firecrackers were burst in these areas last evening.
Dergaon correspondent adds: The festival of lights was celebrated as �Green Diwali� by Quiztival through an all-Assam online quiz on Saturday evening. Rituraj Saikia (19) of Chandmari, Guwahati, topped the contest while Manish Raj Mishra (22) of Dibrugarh secured the second position and Rupjyoti Saikia (19) of Kokoramara, Sivasagar, and Farhiz Akhtar of Naharani, Golaghat, were declared as the joint third best participants.
