Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Vice President Hamid Ansari have greeted the nation on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, marking the birth of Lord Ganesh, which will be celebrated on Wednesday.

In his message, 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 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".