PM, Prez and leaders greet on Pongal, Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu and Uttarayan

As India celebrates a vibrant string of harvest festivals on Wednesday, leaders across the nation extended heartfelt greetings, highlighting the country’s cultural richness, unity, and gratitude to farmers and nature.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted citizens on the occasions of Pongal (Tamil Nadu), Makar Sankranti (Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra), Magh Bihu (Assam), and Uttarayan (Gujarat), emphasizing the spirit of togetherness these festivals represent. Speaking on Pongal, he described it as a “shining symbol of the richness of Tamil traditions” and noted that the festival celebrates the bond between human labour, nature, and agriculture. He expressed his joy in celebrating alongside Tamils across India and the world, praying for happiness, prosperity, and good health for all. Regarding Makar Sankranti, marking the Sun’s entry into Capricorn , the Prime Minister conveyed wishes for longer days filled with positivity and harmony.

Highlighting the significance of farmers, Modi said they are the backbone of life and nation-building. He referred to the Thirukkural , the classic ethical and moral Tamil text written by Tiruvalluvar , which extensively underscores agriculture and the importance of farmers. The Prime Minister also called on citizens to respect nature as a way of life, stressing sustainable farming practices, water management, natural farming, agritech innovations, and youth participation in agriculture to ensure “our plate remains full, our pocket remains full, and our earth remains safe.”

The Prime Minister’s greetings reflect how India observes these harvest festivals under different regional names, Bhogi/Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Magh Bihu in Assam, Uttarayan in Gujarat, and Makar Sankranti in northern India, highlighting the country’s unity in diversity.

President Droupadi Murmu also extended warm wishes on Lohri , Makar Sankranti , Pongal and Magh Bihu , calling these celebrations symbols of India’s agricultural heritage and national unity.

In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and party leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami conveyed greetings to citizens, emphasizing gratitude towards farmers, who form the backbone of rural life.

These festivals, while celebrated with distinct regional customs, from kite flying and bonfires in the north to traditional feasts, kolams, and sugarcane harvesting in the south, share a common theme: thanksgiving to the Sun, the earth, and the hard work of farmers. Their simultaneous celebration across the country serves as a reminder of India’s cultural cohesion, the harmony of traditions, and the collective spirit of gratitude that binds the nation together.

As the country comes together to honour the harvest, leaders and citizens alike reflect on the enduring connection between culture, agriculture, and community, ensuring that these festivals continue to inspire joy, prosperity, and harmony throughout India.