In his message, the President, Shri K.R.Narayanan said that "on the auspicious occasion of Naba Barsha, Puthandu Pirappu and Rongali Bihu, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens

    Celebrated in a wide variety of ways in different parts of the country, these festivals reflect our diversity and pluralistic tradition and underline the pervasive unity and understanding so characteristic of our social ethos. May the celebrations of these festivals further reinforce the unity of our people and ensure our progress, prosperity and peace ".