Thaindian News

New Delhi, Nov 4 (IANS) With just a day to go for the festival of lights, the capital’s citizens were busy Thursday with last minute shopping for sweets and sparklers.

Thousands of people thronged various markets in the capital for their annual Diwali shopping - almost a venerated ritual - and hunted for the best bargains.

Aarti Sharma, an office goer who came to shop for diyas (earthen lamps) with her six-year-old daughter said: “I got a half-day off today, so I got my daughter along, and had a great time”.

“I don’t put up electric lights in my house. Somehow I like the light of a diya more, so we have bought a variety of lamps,” she added.

In Dilli Haat, diyas in different hues and sizes were lined up in front of the shops. There were lamps in the shape of flowers and Ganesha - for some extra good luck - as well as simple and fancy candles, some which float on water.

Shivam Das, a student, said he preferred electric lights since he doesn’t have to refill them with oil.

“I have decorated my house with strings of lights. I like diyas too, but you have to constantly keep a check if it’s running out of oil. On Diwali, I am more busy bursting crackers and enjoying sweets,” he said.

For Shahana Khan, Diwali is one of the best festivals on the calendar.

“I love doing up my house with flowers and diyas on Diwali. It’s such a beautiful festival, minus the crackers! I love the sight of lit up neighbourhood late into the night,” she said.

“A couple of my friends also throw a Diwali bash every year where we play card games and enjoy ourselves till the wee hours. It’s a good thing that the day after Diwali is a weekend this time, so we can all just relax after the party,” she added.

Das said that he will miss the Diwali puja held at his home in Bihar.

“I will miss the puja at home. Diwali is incomplete without family, but I will celebrate with my friends,” he said.