Page 10 - Diwali

Indian, Pakistani soldiers exchange sweets on Diwali along LoC in J-K

Indian Army exchanged sweets with their Pakistani counterparts on the occasion of Diwali on Sunday along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. However, there was no traditional exchange of sweets and pleasantries between the two sides along the International Border (IB), the officials said, attributing it to the tense situation following the recent ceasefire violations by Pakistan Rangers that left a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan dead. A BSF jawan was killed in Pakistan Rangers firing in the Ramgarh sector of Samba district during the intervening night of November 8 and 9, the first loss of life on this side after the renewed ceasefire was agreed upon by the two countries on February 25, 2021. Earlier, two BSF personnel and a woman were injured in cross-border firing in the Arnia sector of Jammu on October 26, while another BSF jawan was injured in a similar incident on October 17. BSF and Pakistan Rangers held two flag meetings on t

Several persons injured as fire breaks out at fireworks market in Mathura

As per the reports, so far, 13 people have been admitted to the district hospital, of whom 10 have been further referred to Agra

Markets in Kolkata witness huge crowd on Diwali, festive spirit in air

Customers thronged the Dakshindari Diya Bazar for festive shopping late on Saturday night

Don't burst crackers, light diyas: Delhi Environment Minister on Diwali

The Delhi government on Sunday issued an advisory ahead of Diwali amid concerns over 'poor' air quality in the national capital

Goans burn effigies on Diwali; CM Sawant asks people to buy local products

People of Goa burnt giant effigies of demon 'Narakasura' in the early hours of Sunday to begin Diwali celebration, while Chief Minister Pramod Sawant extended greetings to the people and urged them to buy local products to celebrate the festival. Goa has a long held tradition of making the effigies of Narakasura and burning them on Diwali, marking the victory of good over evil. The 'Narakasur Vadh' (killing of the demon) competitions were held across the coastal state to celebrate the festival. It symbolises the victory of good over evil. An artiste dressed as Lord Krishna performs Narakasura Vadh in the early morning hours. This is how we celebrate Diwali, said Panaji-based historian Sanjeev Sardesai. The tradition of performing 'Narakasura Vadh' existed even during the Portuguese rule in the state but remained subdued due to restrictions on religious freedom, he said. After liberation from the Portuguese rule, this tradition has been followed by the young generation of Goa, he .

Bursting of crackers restricted to just 2 hours from 8-10 pm in Himachal

Bursting of firecrackers on Diwali has been restricted to just two hours in Himachal Pradesh to prevent noise and air pollution in the hills and only "green crackers" will be permitted, officials said on Sunday. Although a large number of people in the state have voluntarily shunned the use of chemical fireworks, resulting in the sale of these crackers going down, dealers who procured huge stocks of conventional crackers are unhappy over the ban being imposed at the last hour. According to an order issued by the Shimla deputy commissioner, the use of only "green crackers" would be allowed during the festival and the Department of Environment, Science Technology and Climate Change has granted permission for the use of green firecrackers strictly between 8 pm and 10 pm. Blaming the state government's decision banning conventional firecrackers, a shopkeeper said, "The government should have issued the instructions banning the use of crackers at least a month in advance and completely .

Security beefed up across West Bengal in view of Kali Puja, Diwali

Security was tightened across West Bengal on Sunday in view of Kali Puja and Diwali, officials said. In state capital Kolkata, over 5,000 police personnel were deployed to maintain the law and order situation and also keep a vigil on celebrations with illegal firecrackers, they said. Police personnel were deployed at strategic locations in the city, besides shopping malls, markets, religious places, railway stations and jetties, they said. Twenty-one police officers of deputy commissioner rank were on duty, besides 35 assistant commissioners, they added. Security was also beefed up in nearby Barasat and Barrackpore in North 24 Parganas district where thousands of people hit the streets to visit the community Kali Puja pandals, they added. Similar was the security situation in other major cities of the state, including Siliguri, Asansol, Durgapur and Kalyani, officials said. "We have taken all precautionary measures in view of Kali Puja and Diwali celebrations. Our officers will .

Happy Diwali 2023: Top 10 wishes, messages and quotes to share on this day

The auspicious festival is celebrated with enthusiasm in the country. People exchange gifts, sweets and greetings on this occasion. Here are the top 10 wishes, messages and quotes to share

Over 2.2 mn 'diyas' light up Ayodhya as Deepotsav sets world record

More than 22 lakh 'diyas' illuminated the banks of the Saryu river in Ayodhya during the seventh edition of the Deepotsav, setting a new world record of lighting a large number of lamps simultaneously at one place. The 22,23 lakh 'diyas' (earthen lanterns), 6.47 lakh more than last year, were lit by 25,000 volunteers at the 51 ghats of Ram Ki Paidi along the river. Ayodhya echoed with 'Jai Shri Ram' after the representatives of the Guinness Book of World Records who counted the lamps using drones and gave the status of world record to the city, the release said. Upon receiving a certificate from the Guinness Book of World Records, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended warm greetings to the entire Ayodhya and its residents. In 2017, when the BJP came to power in Uttar Pradesh, 1.71 lakh lamps were lit in Ayodhya and since then Deepotsav has become a major event in the state. In 2018, 3.01 lakh lamps were lit, 4.04 lakh in 2019, 6.06 lakh in 2020, 9.41 lakh in 2021 and 15.76 lakh

Diwali 2023: Heartfelt wishes, greetings, quotes for festival of lights

As the auspicious event of Diwali graces us with its enlightening presence, let us share some of the warmest wishes to our family, friends, and relatives

Rainfall reduced air pollution by 50%: Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai

He added that the government was working to address vehicular pollution, dust pollution, bio-mass burning pollution, and stubble burning pollution while also reducing cracker bursting

Jharkhand allows revellers to burst firecrackers for 2 hrs on Diwali night

Revellers will get a two-hour window from 8 pm to 10 pm on Diwali night on Sunday to burst firecrackers, an official of the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) said. Similar windows will be allowed on Gurupurab, Chhat, Christmas and New Year but the timings will vary, he said. JSPCB member secretary Y K Das said revellers can burst crackers from 8 pm to 10 pm on Gurupurab. On Chhat, the window will be from 6 am to 8 am and for Christmas and New Year, it will be from 11.55 pm to 12.30 am. Das said air quality in the urban areas of all the districts ranges from good to satisfactory. He said the sale of firecrackers with less than 125-decibel limit has been permitted in all the districts. The Central Pollution Control Board categorises air quality index levels in the 0-50 range as 'good', 51-100 as 'satisfactory', 101-200 as 'moderate', 201-300 as 'poor' and 301-400 as 'very poor'. The JSPCB, in its order, said that violation of its guidelines would invite legal action u

Security amped up ahead of Deepawali festivities in Uttar Pradesh

These preparations come in light of upcoming festivals, including Deepavali in Ayodhya, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Bhaiya Dooj, and Chhathh, and aim to maintain order and security throughout celebration

Ayodhya decked up ahead of Diwali celebrations, set to break world record

On Saturday morning, Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh will flag off a tableau procession from Saket Degree College depicting the craftsmanship of artisans throughout the state

3,500 kg of firecrackers seized by police ahead of Diwali from North Delhi

DCP Meena further said that ground-based patrolling was being conducted and 10 cases had been registered

Manish Sisodia reaches his residence from Tihar Jail to meet ailing wife

Former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia on Saturday reached his residence here from Tihar Jail to meet his ailing wife after permission from a city court. Sisodia, who is in jail in connection with the alleged liquor scam case, was allowed to meet his wife for six hours between 10 am and 4 pm. Sisodia accompanied by the police personnel reached his home on Mathura Road in a prison van at around 10 am. In June too he was granted permission by the Delhi High Court to meet his wife Seema, who suffers from multiple sclerosis. However, he could not meet her as she was hospitalised after a sudden deterioration in her condition. The court while permitting Sisodia to meet his wife ordered him not to talk to the media or indulge in any political activity. A senior leader of AAP, Sisodia held the post of deputy chief minister besides holding various portfolios, including the Excise Department, in the Arvind Kejriwal government before his arrest by the CBI in February. He resigned

Heavy traffic on Delhi's roads ahead of Diwali, long queues at ISBT

Earlier, in anticipation of the traffic congestion during the Diwali and Dhanteras celebrations, the Delhi Police issued a traffic advisory for several parts of the national capital

Inside India Inc's Diwali hamper: Paid leaves, group experiences and more

Companies are opting to offer indulgences with social responsibility added to the package

Pre-Diwali liquor sale in Delhi registers growth of more than 37%

Pre-Diwali sale of liquor in Delhi has registered a growth of more than 37 per cent on the average number of bottles sold during the fortnight before the festival compared to the same period last year, officials said on Friday. According to excise department figures, 2.26 crore bottles of liquor were sold two weeks before Diwali last year. This year, in the last fortnight, 2.58 crore bottles were sold. On Monday, 14.25 lakh bottles were sold. The figure rose to 17.27 lakh bottles on Tuesday and 17.33 lakh on Wednesday. During the three days before Diwali last year, 13.46 lakh, 15 lakh and 19.39 lakh bottles were sold, respectively. The average number of bottles sold over a period of two weeks before Diwali last year was 12.56 lakh. This year so far, the figure is at 17.21 lakh, which means a jump of more than 37 per cent, an excise department officer said. With the sales figures for Thursday, Friday and Saturday yet to be accounted for, there will be a further rise in the number,

Happy Choti Diwali 2023: Top 10 wishes, messages, quotes to share

Before Diwali, people across the country celebrate Choti Diwali, which marks the second day of a five-day festival that falls after Dhanteras. Here are the top 10 wishes to share