Hyderabad(PTI): Diwali, the festival of lights, was celebrated across Andhra Pradesh with pomp and gaeity, though the incessant rains in coastal districts of the state dampened the festive spirit.
People visited different temples and offered their prayers while special pujas were held at the temples of Goddess Lakshmi. Devotees thronged 'Ashtalakshmi' temple at Dilsukhnagar area here right from early morning.
People illuminated their houses with colourful lanterns and decorated them with mango leaves and flowers.
Though, there were reports of decline in sales of firecrackers this year, but the sweet shops did a brisk business.
As a customary practice, Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan and his wife Vimala Narasimhan received a host of guests who came to exchange Diwali greetings at Durbar Hall at Raj Bhavan.
Chief Minister K Rosaiah, Legislative Council chairman A Chakrapani, cabinet Ministers Ponnala Laxmaiah, G Venkata Reddy, D Nagendar, J Krishna Rao, Vatti Vasanth Kumar, Sunitha Laxma Reddy, Sabitha Indra Reddy, State Chief Secretary S V Prasad and Director General of Police K Aravinda Rao were among those who called on the Governor.
With over 36 people losing their lives in rain-related incidents in the districts of Coastal and Rayalseema regions of the state, Rosaiah had yesterday said "The state government was taking measures on a war-footing to come to the rescue of people in the rain-hit areas" and had called upon people to celebrate the festival in a simple manner.'
