The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has greeted his fellow countrymen on the occasion of the festivals of Lohri and Makar Sankranti, which fall on January 13th and Pongal, which falls on January 14th. In his message the President has said, "On the auspicious occasion of Lohri, Makar Sankranti and Pongal, I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to all fellow citizens and wish them every happiness and prosperity.

May these festivals which celebrate fresh harvest, the hard work of our farmers and the bounty of nature bring the promise of further growth and progress for our nation”.

This release issued at 1150 hrs