New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday described Pongal as a deeply warming festival that offers valuable lessons on maintaining balance between nature, family and society. Extending greetings to people celebrating the harvest festival in India and across the world, he said Pongal reflects the cultural depth, values and joy of Tamil society.
In his message, the Prime Minister noted that Pongal has evolved into a global celebration, observed with enthusiasm by Tamil communities and admirers of Tamil culture worldwide. He said the festival honours the hard work of farmers and expresses gratitude to the land and the Sun, both of which sustain life. According to him, the spirit of Pongal underlines the importance of living in harmony with nature while strengthening family bonds and social responsibility.
Recalling his recent engagement with Tamil heritage, PM Modi said he had the opportunity over the past year to participate in several cultural events that showcased the richness of Tamil civilisation. He referred to his visit to the millennium-old Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, his participation in the Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi, and his recent visit to Rameshwaram, where he inaugurated the Pamban Bridge and witnessed the enduring legacy of Tamil culture.
Pongal, one of the most significant festivals in Tamil Nadu, marks the beginning of the Sun’s six-month northward journey known as Uttarayana. Celebrated annually around January 14, it coincides with the Sun’s transition into Makara Rashi and is considered highly auspicious. The festival is also observed by Tamil communities in several countries, highlighting its cultural and spiritual reach beyond India.
On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, the Prime Minister also extended warm wishes to citizens across the country. In his message, he said the festival symbolises India’s rich cultural heritage and is closely associated with joy, unity and gratitude. He highlighted the traditional exchange of til and jaggery, noting that their sweetness represents harmony, warmth and togetherness in human relationships.
Makar Sankranti, celebrated in different forms across India, marks the end of winter and the beginning of longer, brighter days. While customs vary by region, the festival remains a shared celebration of harvest, renewal and collective prosperity.
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