The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Shri J.P. Rajkhowa has extended his heartiest greetings to the people of the State on the auspicious occasion of Deepavali (Diwali). He expressed his hope and prayed that the festive season and the year that lies ahead will be filled with peace, joy, happiness and prosperity for all.
In his festival message on the occasion, the Governor said that the beginning of Diwali can be traced back to ancient India, some five millenniums BC. It commemorates the return of Lord Rama along with his consort Sita and younger brother Lakshman from his fourteen year long exile and after vanquishing the unrighteous demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their beloved king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama’s kingdom, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and burst crackers. The entire route of Rama’s foot march to Ayodhya was illuminated on both sides and the people lined up to welcome Rama. For some, this day also is to be the celebration of the marriage of Goddess Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu, whereas in Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Kali, the dark goddess of strength. Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, is also worshiped in most Hindu homes on this day. In Jainism, Deepawali has an added significance attached to the great event of Lord Mahavira attaining the eternal bliss of Nirvana.
The Governor pointed that the festival of lights inspires all to move from darkness to light. He urged all to light the lamps of compassion, love and righteousness and remove evil thoughts and deeds from the Society.
The Governor wished that the festival of lights give inspiration to fight unitedly against all odds and evil forces and move forward on the path of progress and success with courage, commitment and high sense of public service. Let us resolve to fight against illiteracy, inequality, poverty, discrimination and hatred. And let us promote peace and brotherhood in the society. On this happy and auspicious occasion, let us draw our inspiration to march ahead for encircling darkness to brighter areas, keeping in mind the famous poem, ‘Lead, kindly Light’, he added.
While extending his greetings to all, the Governor has appealed each and everyone for a pollution-free as well as clean Deepavali celebration. He said that people must shun from using loud crackers because it creates noise pollution as well as emit poisonous gases, which may be harmful to all and the environment. Let us maintain the spirit of Swachh Bharat, Clean and Green Arunachal Pradesh, he exhorted.
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