Diwali being celebrated with traditional fervour and zeal across India

NEW DELHI - Diwali, the festival of lights, is being celebrated across the country with traditional fervour and zeal today.

The festival is important for its association with the uplifting of religious darkness in the souls of people.

President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi have 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 Rama 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. (ANI)