New Delhi, December 2: On the occasion of Hanukkah - one of the biggest festival of Jews around the world - Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm wishes to the people of Israel, and his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. In his greeting, Modi prayed for a surge in the spirit of "brightness and happiness" in Israel.

Referring to Netanyahu as his "friend" -- the personal bondship which the two leaders have exhibited in their bilateral visits -- Modi in his tweet said the festival would further lighten up the path of prosperity in Israel. Download Happy Hanukkah 2018 Greetings Images & Wishes Messages Here.

"My friend, PM @netanyahu, Happy Hanukkah to you and the people of Israel. May this special occasion further the spirit of brightness and happiness. May everybody be healthy and prosperous," the Indian PM said on Twitter.

Hanukkah is celebrated to commemorate the "rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire". The festival is observed for an eight-day period, beginning from December 2 to December 10. On the nights, Jewish homes keep candles outside -- to remind their brethren of the miracles associated with the festival.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 02, 2018 10:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).