President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday greeted the people of India and wished them on the occasion of harvest festivals, which is celebrated across the country under different names - Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Bihu, Uttarayan and Paush Parva.
In a tweet message, President Kovind wished that these festivals may restore and increase the bond of love, affection and harmony in our society and increase prosperity and happiness in the country.
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said that these festivals are associated with colours and symbolise good harvest and generosity of nature.
Meanwhile, PM Narendra Modi wished that the Uttarayan Surya may instil new energy and joy in people’s lives and these festivals may motivate us to live in harmony with nature and bring the spirit of compassion and reaffirms the importance of diversity of India.
देशवासियों को मकर संक्रांति की बहुत-बहुत बधाई। मेरी कामना है कि उत्तरायण सूर्यदेव सभी के जीवन में नई ऊर्जा और नए उत्साह का संचार करें।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 14, 2021
Makar Sankranti greetings to everyone.
"Pongal greetings to all, especially my Tamil sisters and brothers. This special festival showcases the best of Tamil culture. May we be blessed with good health and success. May this festival also inspire us to live in harmony with nature and further the spirit of compassion," he tweeted.
"Magh Bihu wishes to everyone. May the coming times be filled with happiness. With the blessings of Almighty may there be brotherhood and wellness all around," the prime minister wished people in Assam where Magh Bihu is celebrated.
'Makar Sankranti' marks the start of the sun's northward journey, leading in longer days. The festival is a celebration of the end of the winter solstice month also marks the end of the winter harvest. People express gratitude to Surya Devta or Sun God for the production of good crops.
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This is the first big festival of the year, which is celebrated with different names - Maghi Bihu in Assam, Maghi in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, Thai Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Makara Sankranti in Odisha, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa and Poush Sankranti in West Bengal.
Makara Sankranti has a huge pan-India significance and the festivities are seen in colourful decorations, singing traditional songs and folklore, melas or fairs, bonfires and feasts, and of course flying kites.