Srinagar: Diwali, the festival of lights symbolising the victory of truth over evil, is being celebrated on Thursday, November 4.
On this occasion, scores of devotees are expected to throng temples for special prayers. Security establishments have also decorated several structures and greeting banners have been put up.
Ahead of the festival, people from Hindu and Sikh community remained busy in shopping and lighting their houses to gear up for the celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir.
Markets in Srinagar, especially Maharaja Bazar witnessed a brisk sale of decorations items and firecrackers for Diwali. The sweets shops also witnessed a good rush while similar reports were received from Jammu.
In connection with the festivities markets of district headquarter town Ramban and Batote presented a festive look as
people, especially ladies and children thronged markets for shopping.
Shoppers were seen buying different household items, clothes, jewelry, sweets including different types of fire crackers as they prepared for Diwali.
The shops and markets were decorated by the shopkeepers and market committees for attracting shoppers towards their shops.
Special stalls for selling crackers and firework articles were established in the markets. A huge rush on goldsmith, utensils and sweet shops could be seen in the markets.
Many of the shopkeepers have offered discounts on their goods on the eve of Diwali.
The other items which would attract the buyers this year are flower crackers, and those emit colorful stars when ignited.
A shopkeeper selling firecrackers told Greater Kashmir that the price of crackers this year has increased by 20 per cent because of the high diesel and raw material cost.
Shopkeepers said the do brisk business only during the last two days prior to Diwali.
On the other hand on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mussarat Islam enforcement agencies intensified market checking for keeping vigil on rates.
Enforcement teams inspected various markets of Ramban, Batote, Banihal and booked several shopkeepers for not displaying rate lists of essential commodities, failing to maintain quality of food items besides indulging in practices of illegal profiteering and sale of underweight products.
( With inputs from MM PARVAIZ in RAMBAN)