Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana celebrated Diwali with enthusiasm in large numbers on Monday, with devotees standing in queues in front of temples and gurudwaras in both the states and their twin capital Chandigarh and citizens flocking to markets for last-minute shopping.
Candles, lamps and electric lights were scattered across houses and people exchanged sweets and gifts to celebrate the festival of lights.
Due to the festive atmosphere in both the states and their joint capital Chandigarh, people flocked to the markets for last minute shopping.
Officials said security has been tightened across the area, especially around important establishments, markets and places of worship.
The Governors and Chief Ministers of Punjab and Haryana extended warm greetings to the people on the occasion.
Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria greeted the people on Diwali, while Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also extended warm wishes to the citizens.
Kataria said the festival of lights symbolizes the victory of peace over conflict, good over evil and light over darkness and appealed to people to celebrate Diwali in an eco-friendly manner.
Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh said, “I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to the people of Haryana and the entire country. May this Festival of Lights illuminate everyone’s life with courage, enthusiasm, foresight and lasting good health!”
Ghosh also said that as the nation celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, “let us work hard to lead India towards a future rooted in harmony, inclusivity and compassion”.
The Governor expressed hope that the festival would inspire the citizens to strengthen the bonds of unity, brotherhood and goodwill and contribute meaningfully to the progress and prosperity of the State and the nation.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said Diwali is a symbol of prosperity, harmony and knowledge, and appealed to the citizens to celebrate Diwali in an environment-friendly manner and fulfill their responsibility towards cleanliness.
Earlier in the day, Saini greeted Governor Ghosh and his wife Mitra Ghosh on Diwali and exchanged sweets with them.
“It is a matter of great joy and pride that under the guidance of the Honorable Governor, the state is moving forward with new momentum and energy in its development,” Saini said in a post on Twitter.
Meanwhile, Haryana Police worked to spread happiness on Diwali, with several of its personnel visiting orphanages, old age homes, slums and the homeless.
Under a special initiative, police officers across the state selected areas in their respective jurisdictions, lit lamps with children and the elderly and distributed sweets among them.
A statement issued by the police department said that this Diwali is not just about lights, but also about human compassion and shared smiles.
In Palwal, SP Varun Singla and his family celebrated Diwali with orphans and destitute, lighting lamps, singing songs and distributing sweets among the children.
Singla said, “The true Diwali is when we can bring light to the lives of the needy. Sharing happiness with the deprived sections of the society is the real meaning of this festival.”
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without any modifications to the text.
