Culture2 min
Telangana Deepavali: Governor Prays at Charminar's Bhagya Lakshmi Temple
From new clothes and clay lamps to a governor's temple visit, Telangana lit up on Sunday, with leaders urging safe, eco-conscious celebrations.
Telangana celebrated Deepavali on Sunday with prayers, lamps, flowers and fireworks, while Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla marked the day with special pujas at the Bhagya Lakshmi temple beside Charminar in Hyderabad.
Families dressed in new clothes, prayed at temples and at home, and decked their houses with diyas and blooms. Crackers rounded off the evening in many neighbourhoods.
Shukla visited the temple with his wife, Janaki Shukla, according to a message from Lok Bhavan. Temple trustee Shashikala and the priests welcomed the couple. After the pujas, the priests gave them teertha prasadam, the sacred water offered to devotees.
The governor wished for the prosperity of the country and Telangana, and for happiness, peace and good health for all. In a post on X, he described Deepavali as the victory of light over darkness. He urged people to celebrate with love, compassion and a spirit of service, to help the underprivileged, to back indigenous products and to stay safe.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy wished that the festival's glow would bring happiness and prosperity to every home, according to a release. He encouraged people to light up their homes and surroundings with lamps.
His appeal came with two requests: protect the environment, and prevent accidents while bursting crackers. He asked everyone, children and young people especially, to enjoy a safe and joyful festival. Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy and Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar were among other leaders who sent greetings.
The message is simple. Celebrate loudly if you like, but keep it safe and mindful of the air around you, and spare a thought for neighbours who have less.
