President Patil greets nation on Makara Sankranti, Pongal - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

President Pratibha Patil today greeted the nation on the occasion of Makara Sankranti and Pongal being celebrated today. In her message, Patil said, "On the auspicious occasion of Makara Sankranti and Pongal, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens." " Makara Sankranti and Pongal are expressions of the emotional unity that is India 's strength. These are days of great festivity and rejoicing. May these festivals bind each one of us in fraternal love and affection and inspire us to work for the unity, progress and well being of our nation," she added. Makar Sankranti and Pongal are harvest festivals. Makara Sankranti marks the commencement of the sun's journey to the Northern Hemisphere (Makara raasi), signifying the onset of " Uttarayana Punyakalam ", and is a day of celebration all over the country. The day begins with people taking dips in the holy waters and worshipping the Sun. Pongal is a celebration of the prosperity associated with the harvest by thanking the rain, sun and the farm animals that have helped in the harvest.