A day left for Diwali, Haridwar saw a string of cultural events on Tuesday. The Shramjeevi Union of Journalists and National Union of Journalists, Uttarakhand chapter, hosted Diwali Milan Samaroh during which joy was shared and gifts were exchanged.
The five-day event would conclude on the day Bhai Dooj would be celebrated. The participants from the local legislator to the district magistrate were found enjoying every bit of the congregation, singing songs of joy and sharing greeting with one another. District magistrate Deepak Rawat said that the Diwali celebration in Haridwar is marked by an inclusive spirit with one and all, irrespective of the caste and the community they belong to, sharing the joy of the festivity with equal fervour.
“I value relationship much more than the post I am holding,” he said. Citing an incident that happened during his earlier stint in Nainital, Rawat said that the joy he had received while helping a player get his passport was incomparable. “I treasure the memory as the player I helped a little won silver for the country,” DM added.
Mahant Devender Singh of Nirmal Panchayati Akhada said that Diwali epitomising removal of darkness, it is the occasion to light the lamp of knowledge within. “Knowledge removes darkness and all is light within once the lamp is lighted,” the seer said.
Vice- president of Zila Panchayat Rao Afaq Ali said that it was only in Haridwar that Ganga Zamuni tehzeeb is still alive. “ The people of all the communities celebrate festivals here together. In another sense, through such inclusive festivities, the indivisible bond of humanity is celebrated,” he said.
Dr Sudhir Gupta of Kankhal asked everyone present to share the joys of the festival with the less privileged people of the society.
Dr Rajnikant Shuka who retired from Vidyamandir Senior Secondary School sector 5 of BHEl was felicitated by the DM on the occasion.