Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], October 31 : Thousands gathered at Marina Beach in Chennai on Thursday to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, with their families.
In Tamil Nadu, people traditionally celebrate Diwali by wearing new clothes and setting off fireworks with loved ones. Each year, Marina Beach attracts large crowds for Diwali festivities, and this year was no different as thousands flocked to the iconic beach to enjoy the celebrations outdoors.
Visitors to Marina Beach today bathed in the sea and enjoyed time with their children, while many also thronged the beachside markets.
People from neighbouring states, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala, also joined in the celebrations at Marina Beach with their families.
Across South Indian states, people marked Diwali by bursting firecrackers in the morning, visiting temples, and gathering with family. Political leaders and celebrities extended their wishes on this festive occasion.
Actor Rajinikanth greeted fans outside his residence in Chennai, while actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader Vijay offered warm Diwali wishes to the public. "Let the darkness be dispelled by the flood of Diwali lights. Let a new dawn emerge. May love, peace, and prosperity dwell in every home. Let's celebrate Diwali safely. Warm Diwali wishes to all," he wrote in a post on X.
Special Poojas and ceremonies were held in temples across Tamil Nadu. Devotees gathered in large numbers at Manicka Vinayagar Temple in Teppakulam, Trichy, and Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram for the special Diwali prayers.
The Diwali legend differs in South India from the North. In North India, Diwali marks Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya, whereas, in South India, it commemorates the day when Goddess Satyabhama and Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura.
Union Minister L. Murugan celebrated Diwali in Chennai by lighting firecrackers. He remarked, "Today, we celebrate Diwali across the country. This Diwali is particularly special as it fulfils everyone's dreams and aspirations, brought about by our government... Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the Ram Mandir project, and now, with the Ram temple completed and dedicated to the nation, this is the first Diwali. This makes it a significant Diwali for everyone," Murugan told ANI.
Elsewhere in Tamil Nadu, people in Rameswaram celebrated by bursting firecrackers, while in Madurai, women and children marked the festival with sparklers.