PM Modi extends Makar Sankranti, Pongal greetings to people

In a series of tweets, Mr Modi said, "I hope this festival strengthens the bond of brotherhood and bring harmony and  good health in everyone's lives."

He also extended Uttarayan greetings to the people of Gujarat.

Prime Minister also shared his thoughts on the festivals in Hindi and in different regional languages like Assamese, Tamil and Gujarati. 

Makar Sankranti refers to a specific solar day in the Hindu calendar and a Hindu festival in reference to deity Surya - Sun God.

It is one of the few ancient Hindu festivals that has been observed according to solar cycles. 

Makar Sankranti is celenbrated in several Indian states - Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Tripura and West Bengal,

Pongal is celebrated in Tamil Nadu while the day is marked as 'Uttarayan' in Gujarat.

Bhogali Bihu festival is celebrated in Assam.