On the auspicious and joyous occasion of Panchotsav, I extend my heartiest congratulations and warm greetings to all the Islanders of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Panchotsav is a beautiful series of festivals celebrated over five days, commencing with Dhanteras. Under this, auspicious festivals such as Dhanteras, Chhoti Deepawali or Naraka Chaturdashi, Deepawali i.e. Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja or Annakut, and Bhai Dooj are celebrated. All these festivals are symbolic of our rich cultural and spiritual traditions, family unity, love and mutual harmony. They also inspire us to embrace eternal values such as truth, righteousness, compassion and mutual respect, while further strengthening the bonds of unity, harmony and brotherhood in society.
May the radiance of these festivals illuminate our homes, surroundings and lives with happiness, peace, hope and positive energy. Let us celebrate these auspicious festivals with goodwill and enthusiasm, extend our support to the needy and underprivileged, and rise above mutual differences to work together for the collective welfare and progress of our Islands. Let us also reaffirm our commitment towards building a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous society, where every individual has equal opportunities to grow and contribute to the development of the Islands.
On this joyous occasion, I wish all the Islanders and their family members good health, happiness, prosperity and success. May this auspicious festival of Panchotsav bring new hopes and countless possibilities into everyone’s lives, and may our beautiful Islands continue to move forward on the path of peace, inclusive development and sustained progress.
Warm greetings on Panchotsav!
Dr. Dinesh Sharma
Lieutenant Governor
Andaman and Nicobar Islands