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Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi on Sunday extended warm wishes to people on Pongal and said the day is auspicious because everyone in the nation celebrates the festival in different ways at the same time.
"This is a very auspicious day in our country. It is the day when the Sun God moves to Makar Rashi. On this day the entire country celebrates in one form or the other. In some places, it is celebrated as Makar Sankranti. Somewhere it is celebrated as Magh Bihu, somewhere it is celebrated as Lohri and here in Tamil Nadu, we celebrate it as Pongal," said the governor. "It is a day that we celebrate by offering the first yield of harvest to the Gods. We say thank to them for giving us a plentiful good harvest. The beauty of our country is that around the same time the country celebrates the festival in their own ways," he added. Governor RN Ravi prepared a customary preparation of Pongal, a delicious dish made from newly harvested crops and celebrated Pongal at Raj Bhavan in Chennai with the staff and their family members. Extending greetings on the Pongal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the festival depicts the emotion of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. 'The PM said this while attending the Pongal celebrations at the residence of Union Minister of State (MoS) L Murugan in the national capital. "The country celebrated the festival of Lohri yesterday. Some people are celebrating Makar Sankranti today and some people will celebrate tomorrow, Magh Bihu is also coming, I extend my greetings to the countrymen for these festivals," he said. "Wish you all a very happy Pongal! On this pious occasion, I wish happiness, prosperity and contentment to flow in your lives. Today, I feel like I am celebrating Pongal with my kith and kin," he said. Puducherry Lt Governor and Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan was also present on the occasion. "The festival of Pongal depicts the emotion of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'...This emotion of unity will give strength to the 'Viksit Bharat' of 2047," the PM said. He further said that all the festivals are, in one way or other, connected to agriculture. Pongal is a cheerful and colourful festival celebrated in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu. It marks the harvest season, and people come together to express gratitude for the bountiful crops, worshipping the Sun God, and celebrating the bond with cattle. The auspicious festival lasts for four days. In 2024, the festivities of Pongal will begin on January 15, Tuesday and conclude on January 18, Thursday. Pongal is known by various names, including Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Poki, Bihu, and Hadaga. Celebrations may vary, but common symbols include the sun, chariot, wheat grains, and sickle. It's a time when families come together to share happiness and gratitude. Besides the customary preparation of Pongal, people engage in various cultural activities, making it a memorable event for all. (ANI)
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