Thaindian News

New Delhi, Nov 4 (IANS) President Pratibha Patil, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have greeted the people on the occasion of Diwali and hoped the festival of lights Friday brings prosperity and happiness to the country.

In her message, President Pratibha Patil hoped that the festival will bring prosperity to all people.

“Diwali, the festival of lights is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. May the festival bring happiness and prosperity to all our people and illuminate their lives with lights of hope for a better tomorrow,” she said.

Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari extended his “warm greetings” on the “auspicious and joyous” occasion of Diwali.

“Celebrated throughout the country in a mood of festivity and gaiety, Deepawali symbolises the triumph of good over evil, of light over darkness, of truth over untruth. May the noble ideals of the festival prevail and usher in peace, prosperity and happiness in our lives,” he said.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in his greeting message described Diwali as a “harbinger of joy and happiness” and a celebration of triumph of “light over darkness and of hope over despair”.

“That the festival is celebrated by people from diverse faiths is a significant affirmation of the great secular traditions of our country,” he said, adding that he hoped the festival brings “peace and prosperity to all our countrymen”.