October 26, 2003	Sunday	Sha’aban 29, 1424

NEW DELHI, Oct 25: Millions of Indians on Saturday celebrated the most popular Hindu festival Diwali, known as the “festival of lights,” with last-minute shopping, prayers and fire crackers.

Newspapers splashed pictures of enthusiastic shoppers thronging markets on Friday on frantic sprees to buy gifts for relatives, friends and business associates.

Shopkeepers in malls and markets across the Indian capital New Delhi kept shops open late Friday for people to purchase sweets, clothes, household items, jewellery, decorations and fire crackers. People armed with gifts, ranging from expensive electronic goods to traditional Indian sweets, were visiting neighbours and friends on Saturday while others began their day with prayers to the Hindu goddess of wealth Lakshmi.

Industry experts said sales were up this year due to a positive feel in the economy thanks to a good monsoon.

“May this festival of lights radiate happiness and prosperity in every home across the country,” said a message from President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

“Let the lamp of compassion, love and righteousness be lit,” he said, referring to the ritual of lighting earthen lamps and candles to celebrate the festival.

It is from this ritual that Diwali is known as the festival of lights. It is one of the most important festivals in India, marking the Hindu new year and the end of the scorching summer.—AFP