Diwali festival hit by Covid and pollution

Deepawali- the festival of lights, was celebrated in a more sombre tone this year but with traditional fervour across country on Saturday. The festival symbolizes new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil, and light over darkness. Streets, houses, shops and public buildings are decorated with small oil lamps made from clay called "diyas", This year, Covid pandemic and pollution cast a shadow over Deepawali festivities. And this forced a push towards 'digital Diwali.' Prayer ceremonies were broadcast on television and social media to encourage people to stay at home. This year the festival was celebrated without firecrackers as many state goverments imposed a ban on its sale.

The President, Vice President and Prime Minister have extended greetings to people on the occasion of Diwali. In a message, President Ram Nath Kovind said the festival, celebrated by people of various religions and sects strengthens the sense of unity, goodwill and fraternity among the people of the country. Vice President.  M. Venkaiah Naidu, in his message, said, Diwali signifies the victory of good over evil and reaffirms our belief in the noble ideals and morals of Lord Rama’s life.  He said, the festival reminds us that we need to constantly quell the demonic forces and foster goodness and harmony in our society. Extending his greetings to the people of the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a tweet, expressed hope that this festival will further brightness, happiness and prosperity.

ITBP jawans celebrating Diwali at 17 thousand feet in Ladakh. Temperature is minus 20 degree celcious. Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat celbrated Deepawali with ITBP jawans in Kopang in Hashil valley.

The customary Muhurat trading session on the occasion of Diwali marking the beginning of new business activity started at 6pm. In the pre-open trade, Sensex surges 730 points. Sensex, Nifty jumped to lifetime highs on Saturday in the customary Muhurat trading session which marks the beginning of new business activity.