New Delhi, Oct 20 

 President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday hoped that Durga Puja "strengthen the moral foundations of our society and turn us away from all that divides and destroys".

"May Goddess Durga guide us on to the path of justice, truth and wisdom. Let us pray to the universal mother to instill in us a spirit of brotherhood and love for all," President Mukherjee said in a statement.

"May this festival strengthen the moral foundations of our society and turn us away from all that divides and destroys."

The president said: "On the joyous occasion of Durga Puja, I convey warm greetings and good wishes to all my fellow countrymen both in India and abroad." 

"Durga Puja represents the triumph of truth over untruth, good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance," he added.