Diwali celebrated with traditional fervour and zeal across India
New Delhi: Diwali, the festival of lights, was celebrated across the
country with traditional fervour and zeal today. The festival is important for its association with dispelling darkness of ignorance. President Pratibha Devisingh
Patil, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and
Congress President Sonia Gandhi greeted the people
on the occasion. In her message, President Patil said 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 added. In a message, the Vice President said
that celebrated throughout the country in a mood of festivity and gaiety, Diwali
symbolizes 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 added. Dr. Singh in his message said it is significant
that the festival is celebrated by people from diverse faiths and called it an
affirmation of the great secular traditions of India . Sonia Gandhi also conveyed
her greetings to all countrymen. "May this joyous festival of light usher in prosperity,
peace, harmony and progress all over our country," she said. Diwali is celebrated
to commemorate the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after completing 14 years of
self-exile and killing Ravana. People buy new clothes and also distribute sweets
among friends and relatives on the occasion.
