New Delhi: President of India Droupadi Murmu on October 21 extended greetings to the citizens of India on the occasion of Durga Puja.

Durga Puja is the festival of Hindus which is also known as Durgotsava or Sharodotsav.

Hindu communities celebrate this festival all over the world, while, particularly, it is popular and traditionally celebrated in the Indian state of West Bengal. This festival marks the victory of goddess Durga and epitomizes the victory of good over evil.

President Murmu, in her message said, "On the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja, I extend my heartiest greetings and good wishes to all Indians living in India and abroad."

In her message, she further said that the festival of Durga Puja symbolizes the victory of good over evil, awareness over ignorance and truth over falsehood. Worshipped in many forms, Maa Durga gives us the strength to keep the divisive and destructive forces at bay.

In her message in Hindi, the President prayed to Maa Durga to guide everyone to follow the path of ethics and work for the welfare of the society. She also prayed to empower women by making them equal and honorable partners in nation-building.

"Let us take a pledge that following good conduct and with a spirit of service we will work for the unity and integrity of our country," President of India Droupadi Murmu said in her message.