Date:29/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/29/stories/2008102950510200.htm

Other States - Orissa

Kandhamal shadow on Diwali

Staff Reporter

— Photo: Ashoke Chakrabarty

Banishing ignorance: Tribal students celebrating Diwali by lighting earthen lamps at KISS tribal school in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.

BHUBANESWAR: The festival of lights, Diwali, was on Tuesday celebrated with much fun and fervour in Orissa.

Huge loss of life and property in the recent devastating flood and communal riots in Kandhamal district had their shadows on the festival as many refrained from plunging into festivity.

Right from the breaking of the day, exchange of pleasantries and sweets was in almost all the homes across the State. Long queues were witnessed before temple of Goddess Kali in and around the capital city as the day coincided with Kali Puja.

City police had made elaborate security arrangements in and around the city and regular patrolling was carried out to prevent untoward incidents.

All small and major markets brimmed with activity as shoppers were seen making last minute purchases for the festival.

For the third successive days, jewellery shops saw unprecedented rush for gold ornaments by people.

By the time of dusk the lights started to flicker. Lights shone everywhere as the evening grew. Bursting of crackers and illumination of sparklers marked the celebration. For next few hours, deafening sounds from crackers ruled the streets.

However, altogether a different scene could be witnessed just in front of the main gate of Vani Vihar, campus of Utkal University. More than 500 students, who epitomized the symbol of exuberance, came in group and lighted candles.

Silent prayer

They held a two-minute silent prayer for peace for victims who lost their lives in the flood. Vice Chancellor Binayak Rath too joined the students.

“The devastating floods claimed lives in different parts of the State and damaged properties to the tune of crores of rupees. It was the most devastating in recent memory. When many could not light their lamps and were struggling to cope with situation after flood, we tried to send out a message of solidarity,” said Chinmaya Kumar Sahoo, president of Utkal University students’ union.