Panaji:
Goa Governor Mridula Sinha and Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar have extended their greetings and good wishes to the people of the state ahead of the festive occasion of Diwali.
In her message, the Governor said that Diwali is an important and happy occasion that is linked integrally to our cultural and traditional life.
She said that Diwali serves to dissipate the darkness, ignorance and evil from society as people come together for the celebrations ignoring caste, class and religious barriers.
The celebrations of such significant national festivals like Diwali have played a vital role in promoting social solidarity, national unity and in fostering love and friendship among the people.
"During the last over one year of my stay here, I have observed that every festival is celebrated here with total peace, cooperation and camaraderie, thereby strengthening the unity among the people belonging to different faiths."
"I hope that Diwali this year will be celebrated by the people with renewed joy, enthusiasm and peace and thus add happiness to their life," Ms Sinha said.
Mr Parsekar, in his message, said, "The festival of lights signifies the triumph of good over evil. Let this celebration of Diwali inspire us to follow the path of righteousness and share joy among our fellow countrymen.
"May the divine glow of Diwali illuminate our lives in all spheres and may Devi Laxmi bless us all with good health, prosperity and happiness," he added.