Election results 2014: In Narendra Modi’s birthplace Vadnagar, it is Diwali

VADNAGAR: In Narendra Modi's hometown in north Gujarat, this was a festival which seemed even bigger than Diwali.

The whole of Vadnagar smelled nice with the aroma of 'sheera' — Gujarati for halwa —came out of every kitchen. For those not cooking at home, all the mithaiwalla were distributing laddoos free of cost. Inmates of an old age home run by Modi's elder brother Somabhai were also having a feast as many from the town came with goodies.

Somabhai (72) said "If Narendrabhai invites us, we will like to remain present for his swearing in ceremony as prime minister of India", he said. Modi had left the town after an unconsummated marriage when he was 17. His wife Jashoda was once again missing from the spotlight. She stays with her brother Ashok who lamented that she had gone out on a pilgrimage. "God has answered Jashoda's prayers", said Ashok.

All tea stalls, Modi used to work here as a tea vendor at his father's stall, served the brew free to clients who gathered at street-corners to get themselves updated on the poll results. Hindus and Muslims were united in commemorating the achievement of the town's prodigal son.