President Extends Ugadi Greetings

President Pratibha Patil greeted the nation on the eve of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba, which will be celebrated Friday.

"On the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba, I send my greetings to all those celebrating these festivals in different parts of the country." said President Patil.

"May these festivals, strengthen the bonds of unity amongst the people of different regions of the country," she wished.

Vice President M. Hamid Ansari also greeted the nation. Ansari said: "These festivals are celebrated in different parts of the country in diverse traditional ways with enthusiasm and gaiety and mark the onset of the traditional New Year."

"I greet the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Chaitra Sukladi and Cheti Chand. May these occasions bring joy, peace and prosperity in the lives of all," greeted the Vice President.

This festival is being celebrated as the New Year's Day across the country, but in different terms. The festival is known as Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka while it is called Gudi Padava in Maharashtra. Sindh people celebrate it as Cheti Chand and  Manipuris call it Sajibu Cheiraoba.