From correspondents in Delhi, India, 07:02 PM IST

President Pratibha Patil and Vice-President Hamid Ansari Tuesday greeted the people on the occasion of Navroz, marking the beginning of the Parsi New Year.

In her message, the president said: 'On the occasion of Navroz, I convey my greetings and good wishes to all the people of our country, and especially my Parsi brothers and sisters.'

'May this festival heralding the New Year bring happiness and prosperity to all and strengthen our commitment to harmony and universal brotherhood,' she added.

Greeting the people on the auspicious occasion, the vice-president said the festival is 'celebrated with devotion, traditional gaiety and fervour to usher in a peaceful and prosperous New Year'.

'The mood of rejoicing transcends all barriers reflecting the spirit of harmony and brotherhood that characterises our composite culture. May the New Year bring peace, prosperity and happiness in our lives,' he said.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)