In his message, Shri Narayanan said, "On the joyous occasion of Diwali, I convey my warm greetings and good wishes to all fellow citizens. May the festival of lights dispel darkness and gloom and bring happiness and prosperity to all our people".

    In a separate message, the Prime Minister said that the twinkling of the bright, earthen Diwali lamps signifies the forces of good, which dispel the evil of darkness. Shri Vajpayee said that the festival ushers in a resplendent mood and hoped that the incandescence of the bright lights would bring all round prosperity, development and happiness for our people and the nation.