President, vice president greet nation on spring new year

New Delhi, March 15 : President Pratibha Patil and Vice President Hamid Ansari Monday greeted the nation on the occasion of spring new year, to be celebrated Tuesday under different names in various parts of the country.

"On the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba, I send my greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens," the president said in a statement.

"May these festivals bring peace, happiness and prosperity to all our people and promote oneness and harmony in society," she added.

Vice President Hamid Ansari also wished the nation on the occasion.

In a statement, he said: "My warm greetings and good wishes to the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Chaitra Sukhladi and Cheti Chand."

"Celebrated in unique ways in different parts of the country, these festivals herald the beginning of the new year. The rituals and the festivities associated with these occasions reflect our rich and diverse culture and promote social harmony and unity," he added.

The festivals, called Navreh in Kashmir, Ugadi in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Gudi Padava in Maharashtra, Cheti Chand by the Sindhi community, signify the advent of spring and fall on the first day of the month of Chaitra according to the Hindu calendar.