Visakhapatnam: Hectic preparations to celebrate the festival of lights are on in the port city here. Markets are bustling with activities and shops are decorated with fancy lights. Huge crowd, especially children with bright faces, is seen at the firecracker shops. Women are busy purchasing flowers to decorate their homes and for puja. People are also seen busy buying sweets and gifts to enjoy with their family and friends.
Special Diwali stalls have been set up at the Andhra University Ground here since Friday. These stalls have festival materials and firecrackers. They have been set up with the permission of the GVMC fire department and the city police.
Diwali shops have also sprung up to sell diyas, candles and idols of Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi. Lamps of different shapes are available in the market.
Those from the business communities are eying good business this year. It looks as if the ‘City of Destiny’ is saying “It's time to enjoy the lights of the night”.
DCP K. Srinivasa Rao visited the Andhra University ground on Saturday to review the safety arrangements. He suggested that managers of firecracker shops must follow all fire safety rules and regulations. He also enquired with the local authorities regarding the space between shops, fire control amenities and drinking water facilities.
East ACP Murthy, Three Town CI Kodada Rama Rao and other police officials accompanied the DCP during the inspection.
