New Delhi : President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh greeted the nation on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, Lohri and Pongal.

In her message, the president said: "On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti and Pongal, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens." "Makar Sankranti and Pongal are expressions of the emotional unity that is India's strength. These are days of great festivity and rejoicing," she added.

"May these festivals bind each one of us in fraternal love and affection and inspire us to work for the unity, progress and well being of our nation," she said. While Lohri is being celebrated in the country Wednesday, the other two festivals fall Thursday. The three festivals are celebrated to mark the harvest festival in the country. They also mark the beginning of a new month according to the Hindu calendar.