President, prime minister greet nation on Eid

Wishing all 'Eid Mubarak', President Patil said the festival "brings joy and happiness on the culmination of the month of Holy Ramzan, a period of fasting, prayer and charity."

"May this festival strengthen mutual goodwill and inspire each one of us to follow the path of love, friendship and harmony," she said. Eid will be celebrated across the country Wednesday.

The prime minister said the festival of Eid highlights the spirit of sacrifice and the joy of sharing. "The celebrations marking the end of the Ramzan fasting foster peace and harmony and reflect the true spirit of our composite culture."

"May the festival spread peace, tolerance and harmony among all," Manmohan Singh said. Vice President Ansari said the festival is celebrated with traditional gaiety, expression of brotherhood and understanding across the country.

"The fasting observed during Ramzan reaffirms the spirit of charity and generosity and highlights the feelings of empathy."  "May the noble ideals of EId-ul-Fitr enrich our lives with peace, prosperity and harmony and unite us all in the spirit of universal brotherhood of all humanity," he added.