Celebrations have begun for the festival of harvest across the country. The harvest festival is referred to different names in different parts of the country such as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Makara Sankranti in Gujarat, West Bengal, and Karnataka and Bihu in Assam.

The festival of harvest, Lohri, is being celebrated today in North India especially in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Jammu and Chandigarh. Lohri is celebrated a night before Makara Sankranti, also called Maghi, which is a day in the Hindu calendar that is dedicated to the sun god. It marks the end of winter, and is a day for people to celebrate their harvest.

President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have extended their greetings and wishes to the citizens on the occasion of Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Bhogali Bihu, Uttarayan and Paush Parva. In a tweet message, President Kovind wished that these festivals may strengthen the bond of love, affection and harmony in our society and increase prosperity and happiness in the country.

Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu said that these festivals are known for their colourfulness and symbolise good harvest and bountifulness of nature.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi prayed for universal happiness and good health for all on the occasion.