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Despite blasts, Delhiites go ahead with Diwali celebrations
by Sandeep Datta

     New Delhi: Delhi is recovering from the three bomb blasts that shocked the city on Saturday. On Sunday, the citizens were surveying the markets, and it is expected that normal gaiety associated with Diwali will be restored by the evening. The talk-of-the-town is 'the way I underwent the dangerous-hour on Saturday'. There is a relief of surviving and finding the family members safe is all there to watch. "Why should I be worried now ? The dark-hour has passed. I am happy my wife and children returned home the minute I called up in the evening about the blasts. They were in Sarojini Nagar market but away from the place of incident. I prefer not to visit busy markets but certainly my enthusiasm to celebrate with entire family has increased now," says J.B.Mehta, a Bank employee. Children await this festival of light, decoration and grand celebration with a great charm. This year due to Saturday's incidents they are a worried lot. "Papa was telling me he would bring fire crackers on Saturday for Diwali. But he didn't bring any despite returning home so late in the night. He didn't tell me the reason for not bringing any sweets or firecrackers," says Manushree Datta, a-four-year-old girl.

     Children look forward to Diwali every year. They get a rare chance for bursting firecrackers, relishing a variety of sweets, and enjoying outing with their parents. The markets are expected to be normal by the evening. " I am grateful to the Lord none of my family members got hurt. The minute I got a call from my friend I stopped in the mid-way while going to Sadar Bazar, which is near Pahar Ganj area. The call saved us. But either I will go for purchasing in the day- time when the rush is less or use last year's decorative pieces and lights. But no miscreant can dampen my spirit to celebrate with full enthusiasm like all years," say Latta Sharma, a resident of Mehrauli. Diwali, which falls of Tuesday (November 1) is celebrated with full fanfare by all beyond their religious beliefs. People meet their friends and relatives and exchange sweets. In the evening, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped at homes and the houses are decorated with earthen lamps, candles and flowers.