Diwali in Dimapur this year was a low-key affair sans the din and bustle of lights and discernible absence of enthusiasm among the celebrants, mostly the business and trading community.
Apart from the usual greetings, lights, dazzle and prayers for prosperity, the deafening noise of firecrackers was also markedly absent this year – thanks to the directive of the district administration banning firecrackers.
The recent abduction for ransom and killings of a couple of non-local businessmen added to the subdued tone of the celebrations, as most businessmen preferred not decorate their shops for fear of attracting attention of miscreants.
However, the absence of firecrackers did not dampen the spirit of the festive revelers and citizens as many homes glittered with lights from candles, earthen diyas and other decorative lights to welcome the “festival of lights.”
Attired in new dresses, young and old alike from the Hindu community visited temples, distributed sweets among friends and relatives and exchanged ‘Happy Diwali’ greetings and SMSes.
SP Dimapur Liremo Lotha told Nagaland Post that Police made extra security arrangement to prevent any untoward incident during the festival and as well as to enforce the ban on firecrackers.
Asked about the occasional burst of firecrackers from various pockets of the town, the SP said though police personnel were trying their level best, it was not possible for police to reach every nook and corner of Dimapur.
On bursting of firecrackers despite the ban, another senior police official said the Assam Rifles and Army personnel had created a bad precedent by violating the ban in the first place.
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