Diwali celebrated across Punjab, Haryana

People exchanged sweets and decorated their homes with earthen lamps as fireworks lit the sky across Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh today on Diwali, the festival of lights, which was celebrated with religious fervour and enthusiasm.
The excitement of the occasion was palpable especially among the children and youth who burst crackers and fireworks to celebrate the occasion.
Security was tightened across the two states and their joint capital Chandigarh especially in and around vital installations, markets and places of worship, officials said, adding that no untoward incident was reported from any where.
The festival celebrations began with devotees making a beeline to temples and gurdwaras to offer prayers.

There was a large rush of devotees at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The devotees took a dip in the 'sarowar' (holy tank) and offered prayers at the Golden temple, the sanctum sanctorum, the reports said.
The holiest Sikh shrine was brightly illuminated with lights and the traditional 'diyas'. A number of devotees from all over the country assembled at the Golden Temple and witnessed the display of fireworks, reports said.

The 'Bandhi Chorh Divas' (Prisoner Release Day) is celebrated on the same day as Diwali in Punjab.
The day holds great historical significance as it was on this day that the sixth Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind, was released from the Gwalior Mughal prison along with 52 kings.

There was festive spirit during the day in the two states and Chandigarh, with people thronging the markets for last-minute shopping.
Fireworks illuminated the evening sky, 'diyas' (earthen lamps) and candles dotted houses. People also worshipped Goddess Laxmi.
However, the bonhomie between Indian and Pakistani guards at border posts was missing today.