Pune dazzles with firecrackers & lights as citizens celebrate Diwali with enthusiasm

Pune: Residents celebrated the festival of lights by performing Laxmi Puja, decorating their homes, lighting lamps, exchanging gifts with loved ones, purchasing new clothes, eating traditional sweets and drawing rangolis.
"My entire family had gathered together. We performed the Puja, followed by a lunch," Hemant Mehta, a resident of Kondhwa, said.
For the Desai family, Laxmi Puja is when siblings living across the country travel to their family home in Kothrud to celebrate the day. "The family has been performing Laxmi Puja in our ancestral home for the last 30-35 years. My great-grandfather started the tradition. Now, despite living in different cities, we make it a point to celebrate together," said Kantilal Desai.
After Laxmi Puja, citizens will celebrate Diwali Padwa on Saturday.
On Padwa, people also exchange Diwali faral. It is an important occasion for newlyweds, as women pray for their husband's good health and prosperity and receive gifts.
"I ordered some traditional sweets from Gujarat. I also prepared some chiwda, chakli, and other snacks and will send them to all our neighbours," said Mitali Joshi, a resident of Aundh.
Bhaubeej, the day tomark the unbreakable bond between siblings, will be celebrated on Sunday. "We have simplified the tradition to suit each other. My brother is coming over to my house. I am preparing his favourite food. We will spend the weekend together, watch movies, and spend quality time. We don't perform any traditional rituals," said Shruti Shah, a resident of Pashan.
Ishan Kumar, a resident of Kondhwa, has a spa surprise planned for his sister. "This day is about making your sibling feel special. So,I have planned something different this year. I will visit her house in Baner for lunch, and then I'll gift her spa coupons," he said. Disha Bhatia, a resident of Wanowrie, celebrated Diwaliwith a few members of her family inPune and will go to Mumbai on Saturday to celebrate the weekend with the rest of her family.
"My brother and I share a special love for board games. So, we have already planned the weekend game agenda," she said.
For Neha Sachdev, this is the first Bhaubeej after her wedding.She hasplanned something special for her brother. "We will perform the rituals, and I will prepare his favourite sweets at home. I have called a private chef to prepare a sit-down gourmet dinner for the family. I want it to be memorable for both of us," she said.