New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (December 29) outlined the festive spirit of the country while asserting that different festivals being celebrated in various parts of India remind us of our unity and diversity.

Speaking at the monthly radio broadcast "Mann Ki Baat", PM Modi said, "Movement of sun, moon and earth doesn't just determine eclipses, rather many other things are also associated with them. We all know, that based on the sun's motion various festivals will be celebrated throughout India in the middle of January."

Sharing details of festivals which are celebrated in different parts of the country, the Prime Minister said, "From Punjab to Tamil Nadu. From Gujarat to Assam, people will celebrate various festivals. Makar Sankranti and Uttaraayan are celebrated with great enthusiasm in January."

"During this time, we will see the celebration of Lohri in Punjab, Pongal in Tamil Nadu and Magh Bihu in Assam. These festivals have a close link with the prosperity of farmers and their crops,” he added.

The Prime Minister also urged citizens to visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari which, he said, evokes a sense of patriotism and energy and even inspires people to serve the poor.

"Vivekananda Memorial has become a pilgrimage site for people who want to experience spiritual consciousness. It evokes a sense of patriotism in the hearts of people, gives energy and influences them to serve the poor," Modi said.

He said that the people who visited the memorial were inspired to do something for the country.

"Swami Vivekananda Memorial on a rock near Kanyakumari is completing 50 years. This place has been India's pride in the last five decades and a centre of attraction for foreign tourists," he said.

Prime Minister Modi also concluded that these festivals remind us of India's unity as well as its diversity.

Towards the end of his statement, the Prime Minister stated that it was the last edition of this year's Mann Ki Baat broadcasts.

"This is the final episode of Mann Ki Baat, and we will meet again in 2020,'' he said while extending New Year greetings to listeners.