India celebrates Diwali with traditional fervour

Diwali, the festival of lights, was celebrated with traditional fervour across the country with people exchanging sweets and gifts with friends and relatives, decking up their houses with earthen diyas and tiny lights and illuminating the evening sky with fireworks.
Children and youths burst crackers and lit sparklers while families, dressed up in their best outfits, visited their neighbours, exchanged 'Happy Diwali' greetings and sweets. People also took the route of SMS and social networking websites to wish each other.
Diwali is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya from his exile after vanquishing demon-king Ravana.
In the national capital, people decorated their homes and shops with colourful 'rangolis' and flowers and lit diyas.

People also celebrated Diwali in other parts of the country with traditional fervour and gaiety. Devotees thronged temples and offered prayers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the people on the occasion saying, "Lets share happiness and joy during this festive season. Share Diwali e-greetings with your family and friends."

Modi today visited Jammu and Kashmir and spent some time with soldiers posted on the heights of Siachen Glacier to send the message that all Indians stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them.
He also greeted President Pranab Mukherjee from the icy heights on the occasion.
Modi then travelled to Srinagar to meet the flood victims in Jammu and Kashmir.

In the wake of repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the LoC, there was no exchange of sweets this time between BSF personnel and Pakistan Rangers unlike previous years.