Thaindian News

New Delhi, April 13 (IANS) President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday greeted the nation on the occasion of Vaisakhi, Vishu and Bihu harvest festivals which will be celebrated Thursday and Friday.

“On the auspicious occasion of Vaisakhi, I convey my greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens and to the farming community in the country,” Patil said.

“May this festival heralding the harvest season being peace, happiness and prosperity to our people,” she added.

“On the auspicious occasion, I extend my greetings and best wishes to all my fellow citizens,” she added.

“May these festivals bring joy and happiness and inspire us to work for the progress of our nation,” the president said.

Manmohan Singh, who is on a two-nation visit and is currently in China, also greeted the nation on the harvest festivals.

In his message, the prime minister said that these traditional festivals celebrated across the country are an occasion to acknowledge the significant contribution of our farmers in nation building.

“These festivals are not only an occasion for joy and celebration but also an occasion to be grateful to nature for its bounty. May these festivals usher in a year of prosperity and happiness for all,” he said.

Vaisakhi will be celebrated Thursday while Vishu and Bihu are on Friday.

Vaisakhi is celebrated mainly in Punjab, Vishu in Kerala and Rongali Bihu in Assam. The festivals also mark the start of the New Year.