Dazzling fireworks illuminated the sky as people across Andhra Pradesh celebrated Deepavali, the festival of lights, with traditional devotion and gaiety.
Children and youth burst crackers and lit other fireworks in Hyderabad and other parts of the state as women lit traditional 'Deepams' (diyas) at homes in the evening.
People exchanged sweets on the occasion and wished each other, while SMS and internet were used to convey Deepavali greetings.
Devotees worshipped Lord Sri Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi at homes, while temples were thronged all across the state.
The festival is celebrated in Andhra Pradesh to mark the killing of demon Narakasura by Lord Sri Krishna.
However, a steep rise in prices of firecrackers seem to have resulted in a dip in their sales, though people continued to make purchases, shopkeepers here said.
Those fighting against the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh also used the occasion to highlight their cause at some places.
