Udaipur, November 1, 2024 - The festival of Diwali was celebrated with great enthusiasm in the city yesterday, October 31. The entire city was illuminated, lighting up the dark night of Amavasya. People performed Lakshmi Puja at the given auspicious time and then celebrated the festival with great fervour.

This year, the Amavasya date falls over two days so some people will also perform Diwali Puja today, November 1.

Homes, offices and shops across the city were decorated with lamps and colourful lights. Bapu Bazaar, Bada Bazaar, UDA puliya, Chetak Circle, Surajpole Chauraha, Fatehpura Chauraha, Bhatiyani Chauhta and many other areas were adorned with decorations and lights attracting viewers. This year, the Udaipur Chamber of Commerce had announced a competition among market organisations across the city. The group with the best decoration would be judged winner. As a result of the competition, each area appeared to outdo the other in its illumination and decor.

Earlier in the day, at 4:00 am, people gathered at the Mahalakshmi Temple located at Bhatiyani Chauhta for darshan. Long queues of devotees were seen outside the temple, some of whom visited the temple in the evening as well.

Not only locals but even tourists were seen thronging the market areas to view the illumination. Traffic police worked hard to keep the vehicle flow smooth. Buyers crowded sweet and firecracker shops. This Festival of Lights, considered to be one of the most magnificent Indian gala, was celebrated with much passion and zeal.

Photos credit: Mansoor Orawala