The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has sent his greetings to his fellow countrymen on the occasion of Durga Puja.

In a message, the President has said, "On the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja, I extend warm greetings to all my fellow citizens.

The festival of Durga Puja marks the victory of good over evil. It is the celebration of Shakti and Bhakti and symbolises our inner struggle to rise to higher levels of consciousness. This is a festival in which every household brims with worship and merriment.

Let us pray to Mother Durga, who epitomises female dynamism that she guide us in the path of righteousness and blesses our land with peace, happiness and prosperity.

May this festival strengthen bonds of brotherhood and may Goddess Durga shower her blessings on all our people for years to come".

This release issued at 1100 hrs