Make Diwali purchases from poor people: PM Modi to citizens

As Diwali celebrations are in full force across the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the countrymen to make Diwali purchases from the poor people and bring smile to their faces.

In a video shared by Union Health Minister JP Nadda, Prime Minister Modi can be seen extending his Diwali greetings to the citizens with a special message.

"My countrymen, when you go for shopping, do you ever think which person is going to get the benefit, or which person is going to get a smile on his face. If a poor person is getting benefit from your purchase I will be much happier. On this auspicious occasion, I wish you good luck," Modi said in his message.

Earlier, Modi had announced a 59-minute loan facility for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSMEs) as a 'Diwali' gift.

"Every MSME registered under the GST will be given a rebate of 2 per cent interest on the amount of a new loan or incremental loan of up to Rs 1 crore. Laon of up to Rs 1 crore will be sanctioned for the MSME sector in 59 minutes," the Prime Minister had said.

Diwali is one of the most important Hindu festivals and is celebrated for a span of five days. The main day of Lakshmi Puja is celebrated on the third day of the five-day festival. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on November 7.