Jaipur:
His Nobel Peace Prize may have raked up a row, but US President Barack Obama's commitment to peace has now inspired a special Diwali tableau in Jaipur.
On the festival of lights, Jaipur has a unique competition for the best decorated market. And for that, markets in the Pink City are now lit up with countless tableaus. But the one in honour of President Obama is the star attraction this year.
A tableau in the heart of Jaipur depicts Obama as a devotee of Lord Hanuman, the Hindu God he used as a lucky charm during his Presidential campaign. While it's a missile targeting terrorists that's on display, its creators want to reflect Obama's efforts to promote peace.
"All of us in India want world peace and we feel that President Obama is also working for the same goal of world peace. We have depicted him as a devotee of Lord Hanuman who is keen to establish peace and bring an end to terrorism," said Surendra Gupta, shopkeeper.
But as they compete to be the best decorated, Jaipur's markets and shops are now glittering with lights on a variety of modern and traditional themes. A range of divinities, led by Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, specially worshipped on Diwali, are showering their blessings on people in the city.
"Jaipur looks the most beautiful city on Diwali. The lights here are so wonderful that we feel really delighted," said a local resident.
"To see these lights we have come with our whole family and we've brought even our tiny infant. We love to see these lights again and again," said another.
To regulate the thousands turning up to see these sparkling creations, the police have made special traffic arrangements for the Diwali week.
There may be a dark cloud of controversy over his Nobel Prize but Barack Obama is certainly shining here with unique lustre. And decorative lights here have turned the Pink City into a beautiful bride for Diwali.