President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday greeted the nation on the festival of Holi and wished for a "rainbow of unity" among the diverse cultures of the country.

"On the auspicious occasion of Holi, I extend warm greetings and best wishes to all my fellow citizens," Mukherjee said in a statement.

"Holi celebrates spring and is a harbinger of hope and fulfilment in our lives. May this festival of colours bring together the diverse hues of India's culture in a rainbow of unity," he added.

"Let us on this day spread happiness and share joy with the needy and downtrodden. May this unique festival strengthen brotherhood and harmony amongst all our people," the President said.

"Let this year's Holi mark the beginning of a new phase of peace and prosperity in the country," he added.