New Delhi: President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have greeted the nation on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, marking the birth of Lord Ganesh, which will be celebrated Wednesday.

Greeting people in India and abroad, the president said the festival brings people together in an atmosphere of happiness.

"During the period of the festival this year, the people can be more aware about the environment by celebrating it in an environment friendly way," Patil said.

The Prime Minister said Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival that brings people together, reaffirms the secular traditions of India and celebrates the spirit of brotherhood.

He also wished joy, peace and prosperity to all Indians.

Extending his greetings and good wishes to the people, Vice President Hamid Ansari said the festival marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, who is the embodiment of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune.

"The blessings of Lord Ganesha are solicited for the success of any auspicious work and for spiritual and material success," he said.

"The festivities and sharing associated with the festival reminds us of the significance of imbibing the sublime values in our lives to usher in a humane society," Ansari added.

He hoped the "noble ideals of the festival prevail to establish lasting peace, prosperity and happiness in the society".

Source : DNA