President, PM greet nation on Diwali

New Delhi, Oct 27 : President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh greeted the nation on the joyous occasion of Diwali.

In her message, the President said, "On the occasion of Diwali, I convey my warm greetings and good wishes to my fellow citizens.

"May this year's festival bring peace, prosperity and communal harmony amongst the people, as well as remove ignorance and light the lamp of knowledge amongst us all," Patil added.

In his separate message, Dr. Singh said, "Diwali is an important occasion for promoting brotherhood and fellow feeling among all sections of the people. The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil and reflects the true spirit of our composite culture. It also heralds the approach of winter and the beginning of the sowing season.

"May this festival of light bring joy, happiness, peace and prosperity, to our people", Dr. Singh added.

The day commemorates the homecoming of Lord Ram after a 14-year exile in forest. The people of Ayodhya welcomed him back by lighting rows of lamps.

The festival, which signifies victory of good over the evil, comes exactly twenty days after Dussehra.

ANI