President greets nation on new year festivals

New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee Sunday greeted the nation on the new year festivals of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba.

In his message, Mukherjee said: "On the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba, I convey my warmest felicitations to all those celebrating these festivals in different parts of the country."

"Let us welcome the season of spring by re-dedicating ourselves to the goal of prosperity, happiness and well-being of our people. May these festivals strengthen fraternal bonds and foster peace and harmony in our motherland," he added.

The regional new year festivals are celebrated in various parts of the country.

Ugadi is celebrated in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Gudi Padava in Maharashtra, Cheti Chand by the Sindhi community, Navreh in Kashmir and Sajibu Cheiraoba by the Meiteis of Manipur.

Chaitra Sukladi is the new year in the traditional Hindu calendar.

The festivals signify the advent of Spring and Fall on the first day of the month of Chaitra.