AMN

Traditional new year festivities are being celebrated in several parts of the country today. Festivals of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba are being celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety.

In Telangana, people are celebrating Ugaadi across two Telugu states, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to mark the beginning of the Hindu Lunar calendar. In Maharashtra, Gudi Padwa signifies the welcoming of spring. Our correspondent reports that the day marks the beginning of Chaitra Navratri, that lead up to Ram Navami.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have greeted the people on the occasion. In a message, Mr Kovind said, traditionally, the festivals mark the onset of New Year and hoped that the spirit of joy and happiness signified by these festivals will pervade the heart of every Indian.

In his message, Mr Naidu said, all these festivals celebrated across the country with different names and customs, reflect the composite culture and rich heritage of India.