New Delhi, Nov 13 (UNI) Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday greeted the nation on the eve of Deepawali, wishing for the prosperity, happiness and health of all.

Extending festive greetings, Mr Naidu said this festival removes the darkness of ignorance and ignites the light of knowledge and enlightenment. This festival brought peace, harmony, prosperity and happiness to all.

He said, "On the auspicious occasion of Prakash Parv - Deepawali, I extend my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to all my countrymen and Indians living abroad."

The festival of Deepawali, he said, was celebrated with traditional fervour and zeal, symbolising the victory of good over evil and reaffirmed our belief in the noble ideals and morals of Lord Rama's life. It was also a celebration of the pious and principled path exemplified in the life and deeds of Lord Rama. "The festival reminds us that we need to constantly quell the demonic forces and foster goodness and harmony in our society," he said.

Celebrated with traditional fervour and zeal, Deepawali signifies the victory of good over evil and reaffirms our belief in the noble ideals and morals of Lord Rama’s life. It is the day when Shri Rama returned to Ayodhya with Sita and Laxmana from exile of 14 years after defeating the demon King Ravana. It is also a celebration of the pious and principled path.

"May this festival dispel the darkness of ignorance and kindle the light of knowledge and enlightenment. May it bring peace, harmony, prosperity and happiness in our lives," the message said.

Mr Naidu said, "This year, in view of the unprecedented health emergency we are facing due to the proliferation of Covid-19, I urge my fellow citizens to celebrate Deepawali by adhering to Covid health and hygiene protocols."

UNI SD JAL 1823