Hyderabad, November 05: Diwali, the festival of lights, was celebrated across Andhra Pradesh with pomp and gaeity, though incessant rains in coastal districts of the state dampened the festive spirit.
People visited different temples and offered prayers while special pujas were held at the temples of Goddess Lakshmi. Devotees thronged ‘Ashtalakshmi’ temple at Dilsukhnagar area here right since 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.
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 called upon the people to celebrate the festival in a simple manner.
–Agencies