Bangalore, Oct 19 (IANS) The three-day Diwali celebrations in Bangalore ended Monday on a subdued note in the backdrop of devastating floods in north Karnataka. Over 70 people also suffered injuries, mostly in the eye, while bursting crackers.
Shopping malls and complexes were not decked up as in the past in view of the Sep 30-Oct 2 floods that killed over 220 people and left over a million homeless.

However, the spirit of the festival was not completely dampened as hundreds of homes were decorated with colourful electric bulbs and traditional diyas. Early mornings were for puja and as the sun set, the sound of crackers filled the city and bright sparkles from flower-pots and rockets lit up the sky.

Over 70 people were treated for minor burn injuries at various hospitals.

“Most of the cases are minor injuries. However three people have been admitted in our hospital as their vision has been temporarily impacted. They are under observation, if necessary they might have to undergo operations,” eye-surgeon Suresh V. of state-run Minto Eye Hospital told reporters.

The hospital in the city centre received more than 20 cases of eye injuries.

“I was hit by a rocket in my face and it injured my eyes, while I was manning my grocery shop. Immediately my family brought me to the hospital,” said Illiyas, 65, a resident of Kammagondana Halli, about 15 km south of city centre. He has been admitted to the Minto Eye Hospital.

Ranjit, 24, admitted in Narayana Nethralaya, a leading private hospital, since Saturday night, said: “I injured my eyes while bursting crackers. Doctors are saying my injuries are of serious nature.”