Pongal, a revered harvest festival, is celebrated in mid-January in Tamil Nadu and other parts of South India. The word ‘Pongal’ refers to both the festivities and a special dish prepared during the festival. It is a time for rejoicing and spreading happiness among friends and family with heartfelt greetings such as ‘May your life be filled with the bounty of good health, wealth, and happiness’ and ‘May the festival bring you prosperity and good luck in abundance.’
The festival is also a time to enjoy traditional foods that hold cultural significance, such as Ven Pongal, a savory rice and moong dal dish, and Sakkarai Pongal, a sweet dish made with rice, moong dal, jaggery, and milk. Other delights include crispy Vadai, creamy Pongal Payasam, and nutritious Kambu Koozh, each symbolizing love, unity, abundance, and fortune respectively.
Adding to the festive spirit, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin extended their heartfelt greetings, with CM Stalin posting a video message and expressing his wish for ‘Happy Tamil Thirunalam Pongal to all!’ Udhayanidhi Stalin also reached out with video messages, inviting unity and celebration. The state jointly celebrates with varied customs across the nation and leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi take part in the festivities, underscoring the essence of unity ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.’ The celebrations at the Governor’s residence with a traditional Pongal preparation further illustrate the festival’s deep-rooted traditions and the joy it brings across diverse communities.