President greets Hindu community on Durga Puja

President Mohammed Shahabuddin today greeted people of the Hindu community on the occasion of Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Bangalee Hindu community, starting from tomorrow. "On the occasion of the Sharadiya Durgotsab (the annual five-day of Sharadiya Durgotsab), I extend my sincere greetings to all Hindus. Celebrating Durga Puja with proper enthusiasm and various programs across the country is a unique example of our communal harmony," he said in a message on the eve of Durga Puja.
 
Durga Puja, the main religious festival of the Hindu community, is intertwined with Bengali traditions and culture, he said, adding that the Hindu community of this country has been celebrating Durga Puja with great enthusiasm and a festive atmosphere for a long time. The president said that Durga Puja is a religious festival as well as a social festival, because people from all walks of life come together and celebrate this joyous festival.

Along with religious festivals, Durga Puja plays an important role in creating mutual solidarity and unity among the people of the country, the head of the state said. He hoped that this festival would become radiant with the light of truth and beauty. "I wish that the bonds of harmony and amity among all, irrespective of caste and religion, should be more consolidated," he added.

"Communal harmony is the eternal tradition of Bengalis. We have to be more proactive to carry forward this tradition collectively," he hoped. Ahead of the Sharadiya Durgotsab, he also called upon all to stand by flood-affected people and rehabilitate them. The president believed that the non-communal spirit, mutual unity, amity and harmony inherent in the current Bengali culture will contribute effectively to the formation of a beautiful future and modern Bangladesh.