Diwali celebrations bring festive buzz across MP:Markets crowded for shopping; authorities issue helplines; know auspicious puja timings

Madhya Pradesh is soaked in Diwali fervor today, with homes and markets gleaming in festive lights. Preparations for Lakshmi Puja have been underway since morning. As shops open, people are expected to flock to markets to buy diyas, firecrackers, sweets, decorations, jewellery, electronics, and clothes. Sweet shops are witnessing a surge in demand for ghee laddoos and kesar barfi, the festive favorites of the season. Tight security and traffic arrangements across Cities All major cities — Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, and Gwalior — have ramped up security and traffic management for the festival. Additional police forces have been deployed in sensitive areas. Traffic Police have implemented route diversions on key roads to manage post-puja crowds. District administrations are on alert mode, with helplines issued for emergency situations. Auspicious timings for Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja According to astrologer and Panchangkar Pandit Vinod Gautam of Bhopal, the most auspicious time for Diwali Puja falls during the Pradosh Kaal, when the planets are favorable for worship. This year, Taurus (Vrishabha), Leo (Simha), and Aquarius (Kumbha) Lagnas are considered particularly auspicious. Bhopal: Crowds expected in New Market and MP Nagar Markets in Bhopal such as New Market, MP Nagar, Chowk Bazaar, and Bitton Market are expected to see heavy footfall from early morning. The Gandhi Medical College (GMC) has set up a special emergency room equipped with necessary instruments and consumables for handling festival-related cases. This center will function in coordination with the Emergency Medicine and Ophthalmology departments. AIIMS issues public safety appeal The Burns and Plastic Surgery Department at AIIMS Bhopal has urged citizens to follow safety precautions during Diwali, emphasizing that the festival represents social awareness and collective well-being, not just celebration. Bhopal municipal fire force on 24-hour duty The Bhopal Municipal Corporation has deployed its fire brigade staff on 24-hour duty through Diwali. Around 100 water tankers and 30 fire tenders will remain on standby. Over 350 personnel have been assigned, many working double shifts. Fire Officer Saurabh Patel said that six fire teams are stationed at six licensed firecracker markets, while 14 fire tenders are deployed across key areas. The total deployment will exceed 100 vehicles during Diwali night. Fire stations with standby Vehicles:
Fategarh, Jinsi Chauraha, Kolar, Hoshangabad Road, Raisen Road, Karond, Govindpura, Mata Mandir, and other 13 locations. Indore: Fire Brigades and Health Services on High Alert In Indore, police, fire, and health departments will remain on 24-hour alert. Fire tenders will be stationed at major points including Rajwada, Palasia, Mangaliya Depot, Cloth Market, and Regional Park. Two fire bullets (motorbike fire units) will be positioned at Vijay Nagar and Dashahara Maidan. Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Madhav Hasani confirmed that all community health centers will remain operational round-the-clock. A dedicated doctor team has been dispatched to Civil Hospital Mhow, with full coordination with the 108 ambulance service. Gwalior: Police and emergency units on full vigil In Gwalior, over 1,500 police officers and personnel have been deployed for security. The Police Control Room and CCTV Command Center are monitoring citywide activities round the clock. Dial-112 units have been stationed at 53 key points for immediate emergency response.