Bengaluru, 20 Oct 

The State celebrated Deepavali with zeal on Monday, as people flocked to temples, adorned their homes with flowers and lamps, and burst crackers to mark the festival of lights. Dressed in new attire, residents exchanged greetings, embracing the spirit of the festival that symbolises the triumph of light over darkness.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar extended Deepavali greetings to everyone.

Taking to social media platform X, Siddaramaiah said, “May this festival, which shows the path from darkness to light, dispel the darkness of hatred, violence, falsehood, unrest, poverty, and ignorance that plague society, and spread the light of friendship, coexistence, truth, peace, and wisdom everywhere, I pray.”

He urged people to use only green firecrackers and advised elders to ensure the safety of young children while bursting them.

Markets across Bengaluru, including KR Market, Chickpet and Avenue Road, donned a festive look since early morning as people thronged stores to buy sweets, flowers, earthen lamps and decorative items.

After the Supreme Court’s recent directive regulating firecracker use in Delhi-NCR, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has implemented similar restrictions across the State. It has instructed all district administrations to intensify the crackdown on illegal storage, sale and trading of non-green crackers.

The board has permitted the bursting of crackers only between 8pm and 10pm on 21 and 22 October.

The Bengaluru Traffic Police has made elaborate arrangements to ease congestion near major commercial areas and temples, while hospitals across the City have been put on alert to deal with possible firecracker-related injuries. Victoria Hospital and Minto Eye Hospital have set up special emergency units to ensure timely treatment.

Deepavali is celebrated over three days in Karnataka — Naraka Chaturdashi, which involves the traditional oil bath and fireworks; Lakshmi Puja on Amavasya (new moon), dedicated to the goddess of wealth; and Balipadyami, observed to honour King Bali.

CESC issues safety guidelines for Deepavali 

Mysuru, 20 Oct 

Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) on Monday issued safety guidelines for the Deepavali celebrations in Mysuru and the surrounding districts within its jurisdiction: Kodagu, Chamarajanagar, Mandya and Hassan.

A safe distance should be maintained between electricity lines and burning crackers in public places, said CESC Managing Director Munigopal Raju. Ensure all electrical wiring for decorative lights is of good quality and free from damage. Avoid using substandard or frayed wires, as they can easily cause short circuits and fires.

Place traditional oil lamps (diyas) and candles on flat, stable, non-flammable surfaces, away from curtains, paper decorations, and other combustible materials, he said. Ensure that fireworks are burst in open spaces, away from electrical installations like transformers and overhead lines.