Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday conveyed his heartfelt greetings to citizens across India on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, one of the most widely celebrated harvest festivals in the country. In his messages, he highlighted the festival’s deep spiritual and cultural significance while underscoring the unifying spirit of India’s diverse traditions.

In a message posted on X, the Prime Minister described Sankranti as a festival symbolising hope, positivity, and new beginnings. He noted that the sacred occasion is celebrated differently across India according to local customs, reflecting the country’s rich tapestry of cultural practices. “This sacred occasion of Sankranti is celebrated in various parts of the country according to local customs and traditions. I pray to Lord Surya for everyone’s happiness, prosperity, and excellent health. May the Sun God proceed to the heavens; the Lord Sun is in Capricorn. In the Uttarayana, there is great merit; it destroys all sins,” he wrote.

Letter to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

Recognising the significance of Sankranti in southern India, Prime Minister Modi wrote a personal letter to the people of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. He conveyed his greetings and emphasised the festival as a time of celebration for farmers and their families. The festival, he noted, provides an opportunity to honour the hard work of the agricultural community and to promote the values of gratitude and generosity.

Greetings for Magh Bihu in Assam

Extending his wishes to the people of Assam, PM Modi also marked the occasion of Magh Bihu, locally known as Bhogali Bihu, a festival that celebrates the end of the harvest season. He described Magh Bihu as a reflection of the best aspects of Assamese culture, fostering community bonds and encouraging people to appreciate the efforts of those who enrich society. “This festival encourages people to recognise and appreciate the work of farmers, promotes generosity, care, and brotherhood, and provides an occasion for expressing gratitude and contentment,” he wrote.

Pongal Wishes for Tamil Nadu

The Prime Minister further addressed the people of Tamil Nadu on the occasion of Pongal, one of the state’s most significant harvest festivals. He described Pongal as deeply connected to agriculture, rural life, and the dignity of human labour. “The festival highlights the close relationship between human effort and the rhythms of nature. It brings families together, strengthens bonds across generations, and provides a platform to express gratitude to hardworking farmers,” Modi wrote. He also highlighted Tamil traditions, noting that the festival is a symbol of the state’s rich cultural heritage and that Tamil is one of the oldest living languages in the world.

Emphasis on Cultural Unity

While the forms and rituals of Sankranti, Pongal, and Magh Bihu vary across regions, the Prime Minister highlighted the shared enthusiasm and celebration as a reflection of India’s cultural unity. He pointed out that these harvest festivals are occasions to honour farmers and recognise the vital contribution of agriculture to society.

By addressing citizens of multiple states individually, PM Modi underscored the importance of acknowledging India’s regional diversity while celebrating common values of gratitude, community, and prosperity. He emphasised that the festivals are not only about harvest but also about family, social bonds, and respect for labour.

The Prime Minister’s messages were widely shared on social media and were received with appreciation by citizens across the country, reinforcing the sense of nationwide participation in the celebrations.

Through these greetings, PM Modi conveyed a message of optimism and unity, encouraging people to embrace the cultural richness of India while expressing gratitude for the efforts of the agricultural community that sustains the nation.