India's 15th Prime Minister Narendra Modi's hometown Vadnagar was indeed in a celebratory mood on Monday. Since morning, not only his classmates, friends and relatives but the entire town was preparing to make the historic moment of Modi's swearing-in ceremony, a memorable one.
Streets of the little town, Vadnagar, were decorated with colorful lights. People generously ordered sweets for free distribution. As Modi took the oath around 6 pm, the locals lit firecrackers and streets glittered with colourful lights.
A big television screen was installed near the famous Sharmishta lake, where a large number of people gathered to watch the historic moment live. “Young Narendrabhai used to swim in Sharmistha lake despite the risk of crocodile. One day he brought hatchling (baby crocodile) from the lake at home,” said octogenarian Kantibhai.
Despite vacations, BN Vidyalaya, where Narendra Modi studied, was not only decorated but students were called on to celebrate Modi’s ‘Raj Tilak’. They were offered sweets and cold drinks.
People started dancing on the street on Garaba tunes. In many areas, special Garaba nights have been arranged to mark Modi's coronation.
"Narendrabhai is taking oath to be the guard of the nation, which itself is a matter of pride for everyone in Vadnagar," said Modi's childhood friend Dr Sudhirbhai Joshi. His teacher PG Patel said that he is happy for his student's progress.
"Though we couldn't attend his (Modi's) swearing-in ceremony due to security reasons, we are not disheartened, and decided to celebrate while watching him on television set," said Modi's friend Jasood Pathan. Many of his friends still call him ND (Narendra Damodardas).
"Atmosphere in Vadnagar is like the festival of Diwali and everything - music, lights, firecrackers, dance and sweets- have been arranged by the locals. It is indeed a proud moment for everyone here," said Vadnagar Municipality president Sunil Mehta.
In Gandhinagar, Modi's family, including his mother Hiraba, his brothers and others glued to the television set to see the his 'Raj Tilak.'
Conveying her best wishes, Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel said that Modi - the pride of Gujarat -would take the country to the new path of good governance and development.
Patel expressed wish that Gujarat will keep on receiving Modi's guidance on its developmental journey. Meanwhile, celebrations took place in various parts of the State including Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Vadodara and other cities.