President, PM greet people on Baisakhi

New Delhi, April 12 — The president and prime minister Friday greeted the nation on the harvest festivals Baisakhi, Vishu and Bihu celebrated in various parts of the ciountry.

President Pranab Mukherjee said in a message: "On the joyous occasion of Baisakhi, I extend my greetings and felicitations to all my people, particularly to those engaged in cultivation."

"Baisakhi, which signifies the traditional Hindu New Year and the beginning of the harvest season, reminds us of the important role of farmers in our economy. May this harvest festival promote the spirit of unity, amity and love among all," he said.

In his message, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that the "traditional New Year celebrations are also festivals that give us an opportunity to thank our farmers for their contribution to the nation's food security."

"May Baisakhi, Vishu, Puthandu, Mesadi, Vaisakhadi and Bahag Bihu usher in peace, prosperity and happiness for all," he added.

The harvest festival will be celebrated Saturday.

Baisakhi is celebrated mainly in Punjab, Vishu in Kerala, Bihu in Assam, and Mesadi and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu.
IANS