"This year's Diwali is special as it is after Ram temple's inauguration": Union Minister L Murugan

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], October 31 (ANI): Union Minister L Murugan on Thursday said this year's Diwali is special as it is the nation's first celebration of the festival since the inauguration of the Ayodhya's Ram temple.
"Today we are celebrating Diwali across the country. This Diwali is special as it is for everyone's aspiration, everyone's dream that was fulfilled by the government. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the initiative and the Ram Mandir is constructed. After the Ram temple's dedication to the nation, this is the first Diwali. So that's why I told you this Diwali is special for each and every one," Murugan told the reporters here.
Earlier in the day, Murugan celebrated Diwali by bursting firecrackers.
People in South Indian states on Thursday celebrated the festival of Diwali by bursting crackers thronging temples and having family gatherings. Political leaders and celebrities wished people on this occasion.
Actor Rajinikanth greeted fans outside his residence in Chennai on the occasion of Diwali.
Actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay extended warm Diwali wishes to people.
"Let darkness go away in Diwali flooded lights. Let good dawan appear. Let love, peace and wealth continue to exist in all houses. Let us celebrate and enjoy Diwali safely. Wishing all Diwali wishes," he said in a post on X.
Special Poojas and festivals were held in temples.
Devotees thronged Manicka Vinayagar Temple in Teppakulam, Trichy in Tamil Nadu on the occasion of Diwali.
Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram in the state has also witnessed the rush of devotees during the special Diwali pooja and celebrations.
The legend behind Diwali is different in South India from that of the North. In North India, the festival of Diwali marks the arrival of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. In South India, the festival of lights is celebrated to mark the day when Goddess Satyabhama and Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura.
In Tamil Nadu's Rameswaram people were seen celebrating the festival by bursting crackers.
In Madurai, women and children were seen celebrating the festival with sparklers.
Shri Bhagyalaxmi temple near Charminar in Hyderabad, Telangana, was decorated like Ayodhya Ram temple, on the occasion of Diwali.
Other South Indian states have also witnessed warm Diwali celebrations with many visiting the temples and offering prayers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted the people on the occasion of Diwali and wished everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous life."Many happy wishes to the countrymen on Deepawali. On this divine festival of lights, I wish everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous life. May everyone prosper with the blessings of Maa Lakshmi and Lord Shri Ganesha," PM Modi said on X.
Known as the 'Festival of Lights', Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. (ANI)