Tuesday, November 1 2005 13:12 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray today (Nov 1, 2005) said while celebrating Diwali the festival of lights one should not forget the problems and challenges being faced by the country.

"There is confusion everywhere and death is playing havoc. There were bomb blasts in Delhi on the eve of Diwali and nearly 200 people were washed away in the rail accident in Andhra Pradesh", Thackeray said in a front-page article asking people to celebrate Diwali but not forget the country and the bomb blasts in Sena mouth-piece 'Saamna' here.

Extending his Diwali greetings, Thackeray also asked Hindus to introspect if it was appropriate to celebrate the festival under the present circumstances.

The senior Thackeray further said it would be enough if one decides not to have sweets during the festival (as a mark of respect to the dead).

Quoting the example of former Prime Minister late Lal Bahadur Shastri, who quit eating rice when the nation faced problems (foodgrain crunch), Thackeray said many might have felt that this was silly (that time).

But people should understand that it benefits if all countrymen do such 'silly' acts.