PM Modi to make Diwali 'special' for J&K floods victims

New Delhi, Oct 21 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will celebrate Diwali with the flood-affected people of Srinagar, an official release said here Tuesday.

"Will be in Srinagar on Diwali, Oct 23 and will spend the day with our sisters and brothers affected by the unfortunate floods," the prime minister said in a statement.

More than 1.5 million people were directly affected by the floods in Jammu and Kashmir, the worst the state has seen in 50 years. Over 280 people were killed in the state besides widespread damage to public and private properties, commercial establishments and infrastructure.

Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi greeted the nation on the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras. "Greetings on Dhanteras. May Lord Dhanvantari bless us with prosperity, joy and good health," PM Modi tweeted from his official twitter handle.

The PM released his statement in both Hindi as well as English to reach out to the people.

Dhanteras is celebrated before the festival of lights, Diwali. Dhanteras is the first day of the five-day-long celebration of Diwali festival. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped by Hindus on this day to provide prosperity and well being in their houses.

Will be in Srinagar on Diwali, 23rd October & will spend the day with our sisters & brothers affected by the unfortunate floods.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 21, 2014