India celebrates Pongal, Lohri, Makar Sankranti as PM greets the nation

Sunday, 13 January 2013 - 6:48pm India News Bulletin Desk

India’s prime minister Manmohan Singh has greeted the nation on the occasion of Lohri, Makar Sankranti and Pongal – the beginning of Indian harvest season as popular faces from the entertainment industry share their wishes on social media.

Makar Sankranti and kite flying in India on January 14

Image: Wikimedia Commons (YVSREDDY)

In his message, Singh said that these festivals mark the joy and hope that a new harvest brings.

“Farming is closely linked to our ethos and culture and the festivals remind us of the importance of agriculture to our country and economy,” the prime minister said.

“May these festivals bring prosperity and happiness for all,” Singh added.

The traditional pongal celebrations to welcome the harvest season by Tamilians

Image: Wikimedia Commons (Sashthamanik)

Thai Pongal is the thanksgiving or harvest festival celebrated by Tamilians on January 14th. It is one of the biggest festival in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry.

Kollywood superstar and Billa hero Ajith wished his fans and followers a Happy Pongal as did actress Trisha Krishnan whose film Samar released just ahead of Pongal.

the Lohri bonfire lit by Punjabi people to celebrate agricultural season

Image: Wikimedia Commons (Karen Sandhu)

Likewise, Lohri is another agricultural festival most popular amongst Punjabi people who light the Lohri bonfire.

Sukshinder Shinda, the Punjabi singer-songwriter-composer from Birmingham wished his fans on Facebook a very Happy Lohri. “May the lohri fire burns all the moments of sadness and brings you warmth of joy and happiness and love.. God bless,” he said on Facebook.

Meanwhile, Bollywood’s most loved superstar Amitabh Bachchan wished everyone a happy Sankranti also celebrated on January 14 with kite flying. “Tomorrow 'MahaSankranti' ... may its auspicious presence in our lives keep us protected always,” Bachchan said on Twitter.