New Delhi, Sep 29 (IANS) President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Friday greeted citizens on the occasion of Dussehra and Durga Puja and said the festivals should inspire people to work for the unity of the nation and humanity.

Extending his greetings for citizens' happiness and prosperity on Durga Puja, Kalam said: "Durga Puja, the festival of triumph of good over evil, should inspire us to turn away from all that divides and destroys.

"This Durga Puja festival has to inspire us to work for the unity and well being of humanity and the nation," the president said.

In his message to the nation, Manmohan Singh said: "These festivals signify the triumph of righteousness over evil and through this profound message inspire the humanity to lead a pious, virtuous and noble life."

The prime minister also expressed the hope that the festivals would usher in peace, prosperity and happiness for all.

The Hindu festival of Dussehra commemorates the triumph of Lord Rama over demon king Ravana, marking the victory of good over evil.

Durga Puja, the biggest festival of eastern India, is celebrated for five days. It is traditionally viewed as the coming of the married daughter, Durga - a Hindu goddess - to her father Himalaya's home.