PM greets nation in different languages

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday greeted the people of different regions in their language on the occasion of various festivals across the nation, saying they celebrate the diversity which “we are proud of”.

Modi extended the greetings on the occasion of Pongal, Boghi, Magh Bihu, Uttarayan and Makar Sankranti by tweeting in Tamil, Telugu, Assamese, Gujarati and Hindi.

“I convey my heartfelt greetings to our fellow countrymen & women on the various festivals across the Nation.

“The festive spirit across India is gladdening. It celebrates the diversity of India that we cherish & are extremely proud of,” he tweeted.

“(Aap Sabhi Ko Makar Sankranti Ki Shubh Kamnayen) Wishing everyone on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti,” the Prime Minister said in Hindi.

“Greetings on Uttarayan. The sight of the skies full  of colourful kites is a delight. Have a wonderful day with  family and friends!” the Prime Minister said in Gujarati.

For the people of Tamil Nadu, Mr Modi wished Pongal  greetings in Tamil language.

“Pongal greetings to friends in TN! Best wishes to our  hard working farmers for a great harvest. May it bring more prosperity in their lives,” he said.

In Kannada, he gave his best wishes in Bhogi and hoped that the day brought happiness to all and ushered in a  brighter and better tomorrow, full of unprecedented joy.

“My best wishes on Bhogi! May this special day bring  happiness to all and usher in a brighter and better  tomorrow, full of unprecedented joy,” he said.

For the people of Assam, the Prime Minister gave his good wishes on Magh Bihu.

“On the auspicious occasion of Magh Bihu, my greetings  to the people of Assam. May this festival add to the  spirit of happiness and well-being,” the Prime Minister added.

In the north, the day is celebrated as ‘Makar Sankranti’, in Gujarat as ‘Uttarayan’, in Tamil Nadu as ‘Pongal,’ in Karnataka as ‘Bhogi’ and in Assam as ‘Bihu.’

While Pongal and Boghi are the harvest festivals of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, Magh Bihu is the harvest festivals of Assam.

Uttarayan, which is also celebrated as Makar Sakranti, is the day when the sun starts to travel northwards marking the decline of winter.