Srinagar, Oct 25: The festival of lights, Diwali will be celebrated with traditional gaiety and fervor across the Valley on Wednesday.
Governor, N N and Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah have extended warm greetings to the people on Diwali and sincerely hoped that this festival of lights would be a harbinger of sustained peace, progress and prosperity in the State.
 In his message of felicitations, the Governor said Diwali symbolizes the triumph of truth and righteousness over falsehood and of good over evil, highlighting the high values and ethos of our great civilization.
 The Governor hoped that the festival would further strengthen communal harmony, brotherhood, amity and secularism, which are the hallmarks of our glorious composite cultural traditions. On this occasion, he prayed for the well-being of the people of the State.
 In his greeting message, the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah said Jammu and Kashmir possesses rich tradition of celebrating festivals and holy occasions in amity, brotherhood and togetherness. He emphasized the need for maintaining and further strengthening this cultural heritage and characteristics of the State.
 Omar said while celebrating occasions of happiness every one of us should remember the poor and needy and share the joy with them. “This adds pleasure and happiness to the celebrations of such occasions”, he said and wished Diwali to be harbinger of peace, progress and development of the State and the Country.
 Meanwhile, GOC Chinar Corps, Lieutenant General S A Hasnain and all the ranks of Chinar Corps conveyed their felicitations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
 In a message, Lieutenant General S A Hasnain said the festival of Diwali is symbolic of victory over evil.
 “The GOC compliments the people for reaffirming their faith and trust in the security forces and contributing wholeheartedly to the peaceful environment in the State,” the message reads.
 The GOC also conveyed his greetings to all members of the security forces and their families.
 Meanwhile, Peoples Democratic Party patron and former Chief Minister, Mufti Muhammad Sayeed and party president, Mehbooba Mufti have also greeted the people.
 In their message, the duo extended warm greetings and good wishes to the people. May the glow of Diwali fill the lives of our people with happiness and prosperity, they stated.
 MLA Kulgam, M Y Tarigami has also extended Diwali greetings to the people of the state particularly Hindu brethren.
 In his message, he observed that Diwali symbolizes victory of truth and piety over falsehood and wickedness.
 Tarigami hoped that the festival will herald a new era of peace, progress and prosperity in the state, while wishing all happiness, fulfillment and good times ahead to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 25 Oct 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 IST