President Mukherjee greets nation ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi

President Pranab Mukherjee has greeted the people of the country ahead of the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.

In his message the President has said, "On this joyous occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, I express my warm greetings and felicitations to all my fellow citizens.

"The celebration of this festival, which marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, brings people from all walks of life together. The large scale public celebrations of this festival were successfully encouraged by the great freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak to galvanize support for India's Independence movement. On this day, let us resolve to renew the spirit and vision of this great leader and re-dedicate ourselves to the country's development and progress, " he said.

"May the festivities associated with Ganesh Chaturthi mark the beginning of fresh efforts towards building a new, just, strong and caring India where people live in happiness and harmony. Let us celebrate this festival by reaffirming our faith in all that is good, noble and virtuous and instilling in ourselves pride in the composite culture of India," he added.

Vice President M. Hamid Ansari has greeted the citizens of country on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.

In his message Ansari said that this festival, which is celebrated with gaiety and fervour in all parts of the country, marks the birthday of Lord Ganesh.

"I extend my warm greetings to all the citizens of our country on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. This festival, which is celebrated with gaiety and fervour in all parts of the country, marks the birthday of Lord Ganesh," he said.

"On this joyous occasion, may Lord Ganesh bless us all with wisdom, prosperity and good fortune," he added.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh also greeted the nation on the joyous occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.

In his message, the Prime Minister said that this festival with a tradition rooted in the freedom struggle inspires us to reaffirm the cherished values of brotherhood, unity and secularism. Ganesh Chaturthi inspires us to dedicate ourselves to the larger cause of nation building.

"May this festival bring joy, prosperity, peace and happiness to all", he added.