National broadcaster Doordarshan has woken up to the fact that Diwali is just three weeks away and that it needs to fill hour-long slots on prime time on its two main channels with relevant entertainment.

Towards the fulfilment of its obligation to the watching public, Prasar Bharati has invited 'experienced producers' to make an 'hour-long entertainment programme along with good wishes from celebrities'. The programmes will be aired on 14 November from 7 pm to 8 pm on Metro and for 55 minutes on the national channel at prime time.

While it is at it, the pubcaster has also invited proposals for New Year Eve programmes. Proposals have been invited for a 120 minute slot from 10.30 pm for DD 1 and a 90 minute slot from 11 pm on DD Metro. In the guidelines, Doordarshan has specified that the proposals include a list of celebrity participants and panel of anchors that the year-end programme will feature.

Producers wishing to hog the Diwali slot are in for a tight deadline - they have till 3 pm on 25 October to make their pitch. New Year Eve programme producers can approach Doordarshan by 31 October.