Ramban, Oct 20: The festival of lights – Deepawali (Diwali) was celebrated with traditional gaiety and enthusiasm across the districts of Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar and other parts of the region.
The festival will be celebrated tomorrow in many parts of the region.
In Ramban, people were seen visiting temples, offering prayers and decorating their homes with lights and candles on Monday evening.
Temples were beautifully adorned with electric lights, flowers and buntings, while many residents lit traditional earthen oil lamps and candles to brighten their homes and rooftops.
Markets witnessed a festive rush, with pavements and shops filled with firecrackers, sweets, jewellery, and readymade garments. Children, dressed in new clothes, were seen bursting crackers, sharing sweets, and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Shopkeepers offered special Diwali discounts, attracting shoppers in large numbers. “I see Deepawali celebrated with increasing fervour year after year in the town,” said Subash Sharma, a shopkeeper in Ramban’s old town.
A local resident noted that the festivities begin with Dhanteras, a significant day for business communities which often start their financial year on this occasion.
Similar scenes of celebration were reported from Doda, Kishtwar and far-flung areas of Reasi and Udhampur districts.
