Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended his greetings to the people of the country on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu, and Pongal.
In a letter, the Prime Minister said that Sankranti symbolises hope and positivity, noting that while the festival is celebrated in different forms across the country, it is marked everywhere by the same spirit and enthusiasm.
Emphasising its significance for farmers, he said the festival provides an opportunity to express gratitude to those whose hard work sustains the nation.
Extending greetings on the occasion of Magh Bihu, Prime Minister Modi described the festival as a reflection of Assam’s rich culture and a celebration of joy, warmth and brotherhood. He said Magh Bihu marks the conclusion of the harvest season and inspires feelings of gratitude and contentment.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the vital contribution of farmers and conveyed his wishes for peace, good health and success for all.
On Pongal, the Prime Minister greeted people with a “Vanakkam” and said the festival highlights the close relationship between humans and nature. He noted that Pongal celebrates agriculture, rural life and the dignity of labour, bringing families together and strengthening social bonds.
Calling Pongal a symbol of the richness of Tamil traditions, he said India takes pride in being home to Tamil, one of the world’s oldest living languages.
Magh Bihu, one of Assam’s major harvest festivals, marks the end of the harvesting season in the month of Magh and is traditionally celebrated with community feasts.
Along with Lohri, Pongal, Sankranti and Uttarayan, it reflects the diverse ways in which harvest festivals are observed across the country. Lohri, particularly celebrated in northern India, is marked by bonfires, traditional food and folk songs, adding warmth and joy to the festive season.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to attend Pongal celebrations at the residence of Union Minister L Murugan in the national capital today.
Pongal is a major harvest festival of Tamil Nadu that celebrates agriculture, rural life and the close bond between humans and nature. Observed over four days, it marks the beginning of the sun’s northward journey and is a time to thank farmers, cattle and the natural elements for a bountiful harvest.
Families come together to prepare traditional dishes, decorate their homes and celebrate the richness of Tamil culture and traditions.
Magh Bihu, also known as Bhogali Bihu, is one of Assam’s most important festivals and marks the end of the harvest season. Celebrated with community feasts, bonfires and traditional games, the festival symbolises joy, abundance and togetherness. It reflects the agrarian roots of Assamese society and encourages gratitude, contentment and social harmony.
Makar Sankranti is a widely celebrated harvest festival observed across India in various regional forms. It marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn) and the beginning of longer days.
The festival signifies hope, renewal and prosperity, with people offering prayers, sharing traditional foods and expressing gratitude to farmers for their contribution to the nation’s food security.