Chennai | Deepavali was celebrated with usual fervour across Tamil Nadu, despite heavy rainfall, on Monday.
People woke up early, wore new attire and burst crackers to mark the Festival of Lights.
The Tamil Nadu government, citing a Supreme Court judgement of 2018, has said people may burst firecrackers for two hours--between 6 am and 7 am and from 7 pm to 8 pm.
With rains playing spoilsport, people are forced to burst crackers in breaks between spells of rains.
It also said bursting of firecrackers must be avoided in 'silence areas', including those housing hospitals. Also, it should be avoided near huts and other places that may easily catch fire.
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi and political leaders including Leader of Opposition, Edappadi K Palaniswami, greeted people on the occasion.
“May Maa Lakshmi bless us with happiness, health and prosperity, filling our lives with love and compassion and fostering a harmonious society rooted in peace and oneness. Wishing everyone a joyous, vibrant and safe Deepavali,” posted the governor on his X official handle.
Conveying his wishes, Palaniswami, former Chief Minister and AIADMK general secretary, said “On this joyous festival day, may love and peace flourish across the nation; may all sorrows fade away, giving rise to a bright and radiant future; may divisions disappear and unity prevail; and may prosperity and well-being abound in everyone's life." At around 10am, actor Rajinikanth met his fans in front of his residence in Poes Garden in Chennai, as is his tradition, and wished them.
Actor-politician Kamal Haasan, founder of Makkal Needhi Maiam took to X to convey his Deepavali greetings. "A festival of all efforts to dispel darkness with light; a day of joy united by light; let all good things in life prosper; let Deepavali bring good things to every one," he posted.
Meanwhile, it has been reported in a section of the media that Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder, actor-politician Vijay has advised his party members not to celebrate Deepavali on behalf of TVK this year. Vijay, who took to X to share Deepavali wishes last year, is maintaining radio silence so far this year