President Patil greets nation on Durga Puja

New Delhi, Sep 25 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil today greeted the nation on the occasion of Durga Puja.

In her message, she said, "On the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens".

"Durga Puja symbolizes the triumph of truth, righteousness and virtue over evil. May this festival inspire us to work for the unity and well-being of the country and strengthen the moral foundation of our society," she added.

Worshipping the Goddess Durga is the main feature of this festival, which culminates in the Dussehra celebrations.

Prayers, religious processions and musical programmes mark the festival, which symbolises the triumph of good over evil.

Devotees believe that the Goddess makes her annual visit to the world during this time and the festivities are meant to welcome her.

Durga, worshipped as the Goddess of power, is depicted as riding a raging lion, holding aloft ten weapons of war in her ten hands in these programmes. Her trident is depicted plunging into the side of a monstrous buffalo, out of whose body emerges a demon symbolising evil. (ANI)