Sukhbir felicitates people on the eve of Diwali

Chandigarh, November, 2013: The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today extended his warm felicitations to the people of Punjab on the eve of Diwali- the festival of lights and Bandi Chhod Diwas.

In his message, Badal said that Diwali, one of the most colorful and captivating festivals of India, was celebrated with great enthusiasm and gaiety by every section of the Society. He said that Diwali marked the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after victory in the battle with Ravana and it symbolised the ultimate victory of virtue over vice and triumph of good over evil. Sikh Sangat celebrates this day as Bandi Chhod diwas to mark the safe return of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib along with 52 other kings from Mogul detention from Gwalior Fort in the year 1619.

Badal said that people traditionally celebrate this festival by illuminating their homes to dispel darkness and to venerate the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for peace and prosperity. The illumination of Golden Temple on Diwali every year makes it a rare spectacle. Joining the people of Punjab in the celebration of the festival, the Deputy Chief Minister hoped that it would herald a new era of peace, harmony and prosperity in the State.