Bhubaneswar, Oct 2:

Odisha Sun Times wishes everyone a very happy Mahashtami and Dasahara.

Pic- Biswaranjan Mishra

"Goddess Durga is the embodiment of Shakti. She is the divine feminine force that governs all cosmic creation, existence and change. Durga Puja celebrates the triumph of righteousness over evil.

"May this festival help us rise above all man-made divides and spread peace, happiness and prosperity in our country. Let us pray that Goddess Durga bless us with strength, courage and determination so that we can succeed in our efforts to build a just, humane and equal society.

"Let us, resolve to accord the highest of honour and respect to women at all times.”

- Shri Pranab Mukherjee, President of India.