New Delhi, Oct 17 (IANS) Adorned in new clothes, Delhiites Saturday began their Diwali celebrations with firecrackers, greetings, sweets and prayers for prosperity.
Many thronged temples, distributed sweets and sent “Happy Diwali” greetings to friends and relatives, with SMS messages going to and fro all the time.

After people had cleaned and decorated their homes with colourful rangolis and flowers on doorsteps, prayers floated in the morning air. Goddess of prosperity Lakshmi was invoked in many homes.

Radhika Mishra, a marketing professional, said: “I got up early and went to the temple with my family. We also picked flowers and like every year my sister and I will decorate the courtyard with rangolis and diyas.”

Boxes of sweets were exchanged, and firecrackers and diyas (earthen lamps) were readied for the evening festival of lights.

In the evening, millions of lights from tiny earthen diyas to dazzling strings of electric bulbs will light up homes, factories and offices.

Homemaker Shuchi was busy cooking up a storm. She said: “I like to make the sweets myself and don’t buy from the market. After the sweets are ready we will visit our relatives and friends, carrying gifts.”

Sanjay Singh said he “didn’t want to miss out on the festivities and fun” and purchased firecrackers worth Rs.2,000.

Expecting brisk business from last-minute buyers, confectioners opened early.

Many people have extended their Diwali weekend and taken a small vacation.

“I took the opportunity to go to Jodhpur with my wife. She was eager to see how the festival is celebrated in Rajasthan,” Prateek Shah, an engineer, told IANS.

Delhi Police beefed up security in all major markets on the occasion of the popular festival. Additional police personnel have been deployed to keep vigil. The fire service department too has geared up by mobilising its entire fleet.