Diwali celebrated across the nation

Diwali celebrated across the nation with great enthusiasm and zeal

Updated on : 03-11-2013 11:14 AM

With the nation fully in the grip of festival spirits, the festival of lights, deepawali is being celebrated all across the country on Sunday.

The festival symbolizes the victory of light over dark, good over evil and knowledge over darkness, and honors the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom after 14 years of exile. The markets too wore a festive look with people flocking in large numbers. President Pranab Mukherjee has greeted the nation on the occasion of Diwali. In his message, the President said that Diwali marks the triumph of hope over despair, good over evil and light over darkness. He said that may this year's celebration strengthen the bonds of goodwill and brotherhood between people and further promote mutual understanding. Vice President Mohd. Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi also greeted the people on the festival. In his message, the Vice president said, the festival of lights, celebrated with gaiety and enthusiasm all over the country, signifies the victory of good over evil and is an appropriate occasion for us to resolve to follow the high ideals in life. In a message Prime Minister said the festival is an occasion for strengthening the bonds of love and brotherhood in the society. He also said May this Deepawali usher in hope, joy and prosperity to all. Sending warm greetings to all her fellow citizens on the auspicious occasion, the Congress President Sonia Gandhi said, "May this festival of lights bring in peace, prosperity and progress all around. The festival of lights, Diwali is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. This festival of lights brings a new hope among people of all religions but a little caution is a must while bursting crackers to enjoy the festivity. With festive spirits high across the nation, a Diwali Mela has been organized in Delhi focussing on children with special needs. In this Mela, various products made by these differently abled children have been on display . Muffins, spices, diyas and a range of other products were on sale and people thronged in large number to encourage the valuable efforts of these specially abled children. Be it Diwali, Eid or Holi, as we celebrate festivals, Police personnel report for their duties sometimes too far from their families. We complain a lot about Policemen, and many of us even unaware of the on job hardships faced by them. But needless to say, as we expect more from them we also need to be responsible citizens. So this diwali, as we greet our close ones and celebrate the festival of lights, let us pledge to share our happiness and joy with those who don't even get to visit their homes, let us say Happy Diwali to them.