"Diwali is soul of our culture and traditions": Om Birla extends festive greetings

New Delhi [India], October 20 (ANI): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday extended greetings to all people on the occasion of Diwali, emphasising how deeply rooted the festival is in India culture.
Om Birla also called to embrace Swadeshi products on this occasion.
"Dear Fellow Citizens, heartfelt greetings to all of you on the grand festival of lights. Diwali is the soul of our culture and traditions. It is not merely an occasion to light lamps and celebrate, but a message of the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. Diwali is an opportunity to share prosperity," he said in a post on X.
"By embracing Swadeshi, let us take our nation and society to the pinnacle of excellence; this should be our collective resolve on the festival of lights," he added.

प्रिय देशवासियों, दीपों के महापर्व दीपावली पर आप सभी को हार्दिक मंगलकामनाएँ।

दीपावली हमारी संस्कृति और परंपराओं की आत्मा है। यह केवल दीप जलाने और उत्सव मनाने का अवसर ही नहीं, बल्कि अंधकार पर प्रकाश, अज्ञान पर ज्ञान और निराशा पर आशा की विजय का संदेश है। दीपावली खुशहाली बाँटने का… pic.twitter.com/msVqdNEWru

— Om Birla (@ombirlakota) October 20, 2025

Additionally, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended greetings to all citizens on the occasion of Diwali, wishing them new energy, positivity, and prosperity in their lives.
In a post on X, Rajnath Singh said, "Heartfelt Diwali greetings to all fellow countrymen on this sacred festival of light and joy. May this divine festival of lights infuse new energy, positivity, and prosperity into our lives--that is my prayer to God. With the blessings of Mother Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, may the lamp of peace, unity, and continuous progress forever shine bright in the country. Happy Diwali!"
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered prayers at the Ram Janambhoomi temple in Ayodhya on Monday morning, marking the occasion of Diwali. The Chief Minister also visited the Hanuman Garhi temple here to offer prayers.
Diwali is a five-day festival that starts on Dhanteras. On Dhanteras, people purchase jewellery or utensils and worship the Gods. The second day is called Naraka Chaturdashi. It is also known as Chhoti Diwali, or Small Diwali.
The third day of Diwali is the main day of the celebrations. People worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi on this day, offering prayers to bless them with wealth and prosperity.
The fourth day of Diwali is devoted to Govardhan Puja. The fifth day is called Bhai Dooj. On this day, sisters pray for their brothers to have long and happy lives by performing the Tika ceremony, and brothers give gifts to their sisters. (ANI)