.png)
On January 14, 2026, Prime
Minister Narendra Modi participated in the grand Pongal festival celebrations
at the residence of Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, L.
Murugan, in New Delhi. The event symbolized the vibrancy of Tamil culture, the
hard work of farmers, and gratitude towards nature. Prime Minister Modi himself
participated in the Pongal puja, fed the cows, and performed traditional
rituals.Pongal is a major harvest
festival of Tamil Nadu, celebrated on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. This
festival expresses gratitude for the hard work of farmers and a bountiful
harvest. Pongal is celebrated for four days. On the first day, Bhogi Pongal,
people burn old and unwanted items to signify a new beginning. The second day
is Surya Pongal or the main Pongal, where a dish called 'Pongal' is prepared
with rice, lentils, and jaggery and offered to the Sun God. On the third day,
Mattu Pongal, animals, especially cows and bulls, are worshipped for their
crucial role in agriculture. The final day, Kanum Pongal, is a day of reunion
and joy with family and friends. Pongal is not just a festival; it symbolizes
harmony between nature, animals, and humans.
This festival expresses
gratitude for the hard work of farmers, the Sun God, and Mother Earth. Prime
Minister Modi said that Pongal has now become a global festival, celebrated
with great enthusiasm by the Tamil community and lovers of Tamil culture
worldwide.
Addressing the gathering,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Pongal gives us the important message of
living in harmony with nature. This festival celebrates the tireless efforts of
farmers and expresses our deep gratitude towards the earth and the sun. He said
that Tamil culture is not only a shared heritage of India but of all humanity,
something everyone should be proud of. The Prime Minister also emphasized that
festivals like Pongal further strengthen the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha
Bharat' (One India, Great India) and reinforce the cultural unity of the
country. A highlight of the event was Prime Minister Narendra Modi preparing
Pongal in the traditional manner and participating in the prayers with utmost
devotion, which further enhanced the dignity of the occasion. To make the event
even more memorable, members of the 'Parasakti' film team, including
Shivakumarthikeyan and Ravi Mohan, were also present. During the ceremony, the
sacred verses of Thiruvachagam were recited, and various colorful programs
showcasing Tamil culture were presented. Union Minister L. Murugan described
the Prime Minister's presence as a symbol of pride and honor for the Tamil
community and called it a historic moment.
This event is being seen as an
attempt to reach out to the Tamil community ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly
elections. Prime Minister Modi has been promoting cultural unity by celebrating
Pongal at the homes of various ministers for several years. This gesture by
Narendra Modi demonstrates how national unity can be strengthened while
respecting the diversity of Indian culture.