President greets people on New Year

New Delhi, March 27 (IANS) President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday wished the people on the occasion of the New Year, according to an official statement."On the happy occasion of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padva, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba, I convey warm greetings and best wishes to all my fellow citizens," President Mukherjee said in a message.Wishing for the prosperity of every India on the occasion of the festivals, he said: "These auspicious festivals mark the onset of spring and promise fresh beginnings of growth, prosperity and well-being. Let the spirit of joy and happiness signified by these festivals pervade the heart of every Indian."

Chaitra Sukladi is celebrated in north India as a traditional New Year, Ugadi in Karnataka, Navreh in Kashmir, Cheti Chand among the Sindhi, Sajibu Cheiraoba in Manipur and Gudi Padva in Maharashtra."May these festivals spread peace and friendship, inspiring our citizens to re-dedicate themselves to the service of motherland," he added.