In her message of greetings, the Chief Minister hoped the Festival of Lights, as Diwali is popularly called, would bring everlasting happiness and peace to the people of the State. She said Jammu & Kashmir is proud that its residents celebrate the festivals of every religion and community with equal joy. Mehbooba Mufti has prayed for prosperity and well of people on the occasion. Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh today greeted people on the occasion of Diwali. In his message, Dr Singh appealed the people to use the auspicious day of festival of light to brighten the lives of others by celebrating the occasion together and in an atmosphere of amity. “Diwali is a time for festivity and happiness for all. It is an occasion to share our joy with those who are in need”, he said. Dr Singh also expressed hope that the festival of lights this year will "mark the beginning of a new phase of optimism" for everyone. Governor N. N. Vohra has extended warm greetings to the people on Diwali, the festival of lights, and hoped that this auspicious occasion would be a harbinger of peace, progress and prosperity in the State. In his message of greetings, Governor observed that this festival symbolizes the triumph of truth and righteousness over falsehood and of good over evil and highlights the ethos and high values of the country’s civilization history. Governor hoped that the festival would further strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood, amity, tranquility and secularism, which are the hallmarks of our glorious composite cultural traditions and prayed for the well-being of the people of the State.