Diwali celebrated with religious fervour in Gujarat

People decorated their houses with 'diyas' and electric lights, made colourful 'rangolis', exchanged sweets and burst firecrackers to mark the occasion.

Special pujas were held at homes. People also thronged temples to offer special prayers. Temples of Lord Ranchhodray at Dakor and Goddess Kali at Pavagadh near here saw heavy rush of devotees.

Muslim brethren visited houses of their Hindu friends at several towns and villages in Vadodara, Panchmahals, Dahod, Anand and Bharuch districts and exchanged greetings, reports reaching here said.

Shopping fever gripped people, who donning colourful dresses, thronged markets to buy sweets, lamps, candles and firecrackers.

Shops were stocked with designer candles, lampshades, paper craft and various items of home decor, jewellery and clothes.

Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leaders Arjun Modhwadia and Shankersinh Vaghela, former CM Keshubhai Patel, Union ministers Dinshaw Patel and Bharat Solanki, among others, greeted people on the occasion of Diwali.