Dazzling lights usher in Diwali

PATNA: Sweet and firecracker shops witnessed rush of people and houses wore a dazzling look with fancy lights on Tuesday as the city geared up to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, on Wednesday.

On the eve of Diwali, youngsters finalized their plans, such as what to wear and eat, and elderly people checked their preparations to welcome friends and family members.

People could be seen buying different varieties of sweets across the city. Sweets studded with cashew nuts and those made with pure ghee were in high demand.

“There are many takers for sweets priced between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 per kg. Some people have placed advance orders for ‘gold barfi’ which is priced at Rs 9,000 per kg,” said sweetshop owner on Boring Road.

Namita Sharma, a resident of Chhajubagh, said, “We are very busy as guests will visit our house. We will have to welcome them with gifts. Children have also bought gifts for their friends.”

The Chandani Market near Patna Junction was chock-a-block with people making last minute purchases on Tuesday. Chinese bulb strings and paper lantern, priced between Rs 100 and Rs 500 per piece, were in high demand. Laser lights with price tags of Rs 600 to Rs 700 per piece, were also preferred by people.

The firecracker market seemed slightly hit in the wake of Supreme Court’s recent order allowing bursting of crackers only between 8pm and 10pm on Diwali night. “This Diwali no pataka only chataka (No use of crackers this Diwali, only taste of delicious food),” a man in his early 30s said, albeit jokingly.

“We welcome the restrictions imposed on bursting of firecrackers, which severely pollute the air and lead to hazardous levels of noise pollution. People should convince their children not to burst polluting crackers,” said Suman Pandey, a resident of Kankerbagh.

The excitement of youngsters was palpable due to possibility of getting gifts from their near and dear ones. Many among them bought dry fruit boxes and chocolate packs to offer as gift to their friends. Some boys and girls also bought pens and stationary items for their teachers.

“I am going to gift a luxury pen to my tutor as a Diwali gift. I have also bought chocolate packs for my friends,” said Kamini Kaushal, a student preparing for medical entrance examination at a private coaching institute here.

The elderly people, on the other hand, were busy reviewing preparations to welcome friends and family members. “The guardians of the family have to look at everybody’s need. We have to look after decoration of the house as well,” said Ashish Ranjan, a resident of Rajendra Nagar.