Country giving befitting reply to expansionist forces: PM Modi

Delivering an address at Varanasi, he also hit out at the Congress, by stating that: "For us, heritage means our culture, our faith, our values but for others, it means their own idols and family photos."

Attending the Dev Deepawali festival at Rajghat on the banks of river Ganga, Modi, who even lit a diya on the occasion, paid tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country.

"I pay my tributes to all those, who have laid their lives for the nation. The nation is giving a befitting reply to the expansionist forces, those trying to infiltrate into India or those trying to break India from India," he said during his address.

The Prime Minister also raised the issue of 'Vocal for Local' and appealed to the people to use local products during festivals and for gifting purpose.

In the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Modi said that the statuette of Annapurna deity, which was stolen over 100 years ago, was now on its way back here.

"It is a matter of great fortune that Mata Annapurna will come back to her original home," he added.

"Statues of our deities are part of our priceless legacy. For some people, inheritance means their family and their family name," remarked the Prime Minister.

Talking about Varanasi during this pandemic era, Modi said, "No matter how much things have changed due to COVID-19, none can change the 'Urja', Bhakti' and 'Shakti' of Kashi."

The PM, before attending the Dev Deepawali festival, worshipped at the Kashi Vishanath temple and reviewed the construction work at the Kashi Vishwanath corridor project.

He also witnessed the world famous Ganga Aarti and even had a glimpse of the laser show, on the ghats of Ganga.

Later, Modi left for Saranath to witness the light and sound show on Lord Buddha. He will return back to New Delhi tonight.