Leaders greet nation on Lohri

President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu wished the nation on the occasion of Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Bhogali Bihu, Uttarayan and Paush parva on Wednesday.

New Delhi:President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday greeted the nation on the occasion of Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Bhogali Bihu, Uttarayan and Paush parva. and wished for harmony, love and affection in the society.

"Greetings and best wishes to fellow citizens on the occasion of Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Bhogali Bihu, Uttarayan and Paush parva. May these festivals strengthen the bond of love, affection and harmony in our society and increase prosperity and happiness in the country," a tweet from the President of India read.

"Lohri and Bhogi greetings to all! These festivals are known for their colourfulness and symbolise good harvest and bountifulness of nature. May the pious bonfires bring in happiness, good health and prosperity for all," he tweeted.

Bhogi is the festival of change. Derelict articles and negative ideas are discarded and new energy is welcomed into people's homes. It is symbolised by lighting a bonfire or Bhogi Mantalu," the official Twitter handle of the Vice President tweeted.

On the occasion, Naidu, who was seen performing all rituals related to Bhogi, including circling around the bonfire along with his wife, prayed for everyone's happiness, good health and prosperity.

Lohri is the harvest festival of north India. Bonfire and folk songs are a major part of the celebrations and a puja parikrama around the bonfire is performed, followed by the distribution of prasad. Welcoming longer days and the sun's journey to the northern hemisphere, Lohri is observed the night before Makar Sankranti or Maghi.

(ANI)