PM Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind, and other leaders greet the nation on Diwali

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday greeted the nation on the occasion of Diwali, wishing everyone to be “prosperous and healthy.” India is celebrating Diwali on Saturday amid the COVID-19 pandemic due to which the celebration of festivals of lights has been scaled down.

“Wishing everyone a Happy Diwali! May this festival further brightness and happiness. May everyone be prosperous and healthy,” PM Modi wrote on Twitter. 

President Ram Nath Kovind in Hindi wished the nation Diwali, writing, “On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, I extend my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to all the countrymen and all Indians settled abroad.”

“I wish that this mahaparva of happiness and light brings happiness, peace and prosperity in every house of the country,” Kovind said in the same tweet. 

In the same tweet thread, the President wrote, “Diwali is also a festival of cleanliness, so let us honor nature by celebrating Diwali, free from pollution, environment friendly and clean.”

Amid the rise in pollution levels in different cities, including the national capital of Delhi, many state governments have banned fireworks that are a major element of celebration in Diwali in several states including Rajasthan, Odisha, Maharashtra, Karnataka. 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Twitter, said, “Hearty greetings to all the countrymen of the holy festival of Deepawali. This festival brings happiness, joy, prosperity and good health to all of you. May your Diwali be auspicious and happy. #HappyDiwali”