Dimapur set for Diwali; Nagaland Chief Minister extends greetings

DIMAPUR — As Dimapur is decked up with lights for the Diwali festival, signifying ‘victory of light over darkness and good over evil’, different communities in the city are celebrating in different ways. For the Jains, Diwali marks the anniversary of the liberation (Nirvana) of Lord Mahavira's soul.

Diwali according to the Jains marks the anniversary of the liberation of Lord Mahavira's soul, the 24th and last Tirthankar.

Ajay Sethi from the Jain Samaj Dimapur said that they start cleaning their houses days ahead of the festival as they believe “cleanliness is godliness and the celebration is to keep the house, soul and our body clean”, before offering sugar ladoo to the Lord on Diwali morning, around 5 am.

He added that the Jains try to avoid bursting firecrackers during Diwali as it disturbs and harms living organisms.

Meanwhile, Dimapur Bengali Samaj president KK Paul said the community worships goddess Kali on the occasion of Diwali and celebrates brotherhood and friendship. He added that people also buy gold, silver, cars and other valuable things as they believe the festive period is sacred and auspicious.   

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Meanwhile, the administrator of Dimapur Municipal Council, W Manpai Phom, has urged the citizens to abstain from single-use plastic and firecrackers during the occasion. “Let us make this Diwali a festivity of light and not firecrackers. Light up your Diwali with cleanliness and joy. Prioritise cleanliness, source segregation of waste, say no to single-use plastic and embrace vocal for local.”

On Friday, The district administration issued guidelines on using firecrackers during festivals, including Diwali, Christmas and New Year.

Meanwhile, Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio took to the micro-blogging site X to convey festive greetings on Saturday. “May the Festival of Lights bring happiness, prosperity and immense blessings. Wishing you and your loved ones a radiant and joyous celebration. Happy Diwali,” he wrote on X.

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