Diwai 2016: Festival of lights, celebrated with religious fervor and enthusiasm across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

Diwali 2016: People celebrates Festival of lights with religious fervor and enthusiasm across the country

Diwali or Deepavali, the festival of lights, was celebrated with religious fervor and enthusiasm across the country including Tamil Nadu and Puducherry with devout making a beeline to temples to offer prayers early in the morning including the famous shrine of Manakaula Vinayakar temple. People clad in colorful clothes burst crackers and exchanged greetings and sweets with friends and neighbours.

Here's how people are celebrating the festival

Diwali 2016: People celebrates Festival of lights with religious fervor and enthusiasm across the country

Cinema remains a chief attraction during the festive holidays but this Deepavali bollywood films starring big stars have hit the screens.

Diwali 2016: People celebrates Festival of lights with religious fervor and enthusiasm across the country

Besides, private TV channels have a lineup of special film-based and other programs, vying for the attention of the viewers.

Diwali 2016: People celebrates Festival of lights with religious fervor and enthusiasm across the country

An array of crackers were set off, by youths and children, adding to the sparkle of the festival.

Diwali 2016: People celebrate festival of lights with religious fervor and enthusiasm

Cloth merchants and ready-made garment shop owners heaved a sigh of relief as the Union Territory did not witness rainfall, which would normally be the scenario days ahead of the festival.