Naturally,  since the twin  reasons popularly spelt out for celebrating Diwali revolve around gods—Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya with consort Sita after killing Ravana is one while the other is Lord Krishna’s  slaying  of the demon Narakasura. Those keen on celebrating the day with a temple visit  have  sumptous religious fare in store:

The Sri Kalyana Venkateswara temple, located at J P Nagar’s Ist Phase, will have the following special pujas on Friday.  Panchamruta Abhishekam will commence at 8.30 a m and this will be followed by Chomala Seva and Lakshmi Sahasranama archana, said priest Janardhana Bhattar. There will be a special Lakshmi puja between 6 and 7 in the evening.  

Ulsoor’s Sri Someshwara Swamy temple will be open from 6 a m to 9 p m on November 9  (Diwali Amavasya) to mark the ‘Kedavaeswara Vratha’ function, said Head Priest Lakshmi Narayan Dikshit. A kalasam will be placed for Lord Kedava.

Devotees, mostly women, will flock to the temple on the day. Those who observe `Nombu’ at home will be present in large numbers.   They will hand over the red-coloured band they had been wearing on their person and replace them with new ones. The oblations would be sweets and snacks prepared for Diwali.

As usual, the ISKCON temple at Chord Road in Rajaji Nagar will usher in Diwali in a grand manner. Celebrations  will be spread over three days—November 8, 9 and 10.  During the evenings,  Lord Radha Krishna Chandra, Krishna Balarama and Gaura Nitai will be borne on a palanquin and taken around the temple.

Scintiallating fireworks will be displayed in front of the idols when they are taken around while the interiors of the temple will be lit with lamps. Special pujas will be performed and `Damodharastaka’ chanted. The concluding day will have ‘Go Puja’ and `Govardhana Puja’. A replica of Govardhana hill will be created.

“This would be a made of 100% vegetarian cake which would be distributed to visitors later,” said a representative.  The temple will be packed to capacity.  Apart from localites, many foreigners and devotees from various States are expected to take part.

The Shree Dharmanath Jain temple, located at 9th main road in Jayanagar’s 4th Block will have a five-day Diwali celebration from November 7 to 11. Snatra puja will be performed for Lord Dharmanath Bhagwan in the mornings and Aarti will be done for all the gods in the evenings. The Gods will be adorned in silver casings .

They will be decorated with flowers as well as  gold-plated `baadlas’ during the afternoons, said Kiranbhai, the temple’s manager.  The `baadlas’ will be removed only in the morning of the succeeding day.  “A huge crowd is  expected on all the days,” he added.