NEW DELHI: Amid cheers by amazed spectators, Delhi’s famed Connaught Place on Saturday was witness to a mega laser show organised by the Arvind Kejriwal government to encourage people shun crackers to cut down pollution in the national capital.
At the inaugural session, chief minister Kejriwal said that every year people would burst firecrackers in large numbers days ahead of Diwali, but this time, he has noticed a change.
“I have not heard a single firecracker being burst in the capital and it is a good start,” he said. Lt Governor Anil Baijal and deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia were also present as the four-day event, named “Dilli ki Diwali”, kickstarted in Central Park in presence of hundreds of people.
The show with lasers beaming in sync with patriotic songs and audible from Ramayana was nothing short of a mega party on the streets for Delhiites who came from far and beyond.
“Today, the entire city has gathered to celebrate community Diwali. It is the first time something of this kind has happened,” said Mr Sisodia, seeking feedback to improve ways to celebrate the festival. However, traders at Connaught Place said that their business was down by 70-80 per cent due to the closure of a few roads and parking slots for the laser show.
The circles of Connaught Place and adjoining areas were decked up with lights and people from all walks of life thronged the heart of the city to witness the unique show.
“It is the first time that a laser show is being organised and it’s in the central location of Delhi, so I along with my family decided to begin our Diwali celebration right from here and contribute our bid,” said Shilpa Yadav. Ajay Kumar along with his family came all the way from Sonipat in Haryana to enjoy the laser show.
