New Delhi: On the auspicious occasion of Pongal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the residence of Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan and performed puja with full rituals. He participated in the Pongal celebrations as per Tamil traditions and extended his best wishes to the Tamil community around the world, including his fellow citizens. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Modi stated that Pongal is no longer confined to Tamil Nadu; it has become a global festival that conveys the message of balance between nature, family, and society.
Prime Minister Modi performed puja with traditional Tamil rituals on the occasion. He fed a cow and her calf, garlanded them, and offered prayers. This scene underscored the importance of agriculture, livestock, and nature in Indian culture. PM Modi stated that Pongal is not just a harvest festival, but a celebration of gratitude, collectivism, and life values.
In his message, Prime Minister Modi stated that this festival shows the path to establishing balance between nature, family, and society. These days, festivals like Lohri, Makar Sankranti, and Magh Bihu are being celebrated in different parts of the country. All these festivals reflect India’s cultural diversity and unity. He extended his heartfelt greetings to his Tamil brothers and sisters living in India and around the world on Pongal and other festivals. Speaking about the importance of Tamil culture, Prime Minister Modi said that last year he had the opportunity to participate in several important events related to Tamil culture. He mentioned offering prayers at the nearly 1,000-year-old Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Tamil Nadu and shared his experience at the Kashi Tamil Sangam held in Varanasi. PM Modi said that during these events, he felt the vibrant energy of cultural unity.
Prime Minister Modi said that during the inauguration of the Pamban Bridge in Rameswaram, he witnessed the greatness of Tamil history and heritage up close. He said, “Tamil culture is the shared heritage of all India. Not only that, it is the shared heritage of all humanity.” The Prime Minister emphasized that the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ is further strengthened by festivals like Pongal, which bind the country together culturally.
