Chennai, Jan 15 (NationPress) As Tamil Nadu commemorates Pongal, its most essential harvest festival, with cherished traditions and significant public engagement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed heartfelt greetings to the people in Tamil, emphasizing the festival's cultural, social, and national significance.

In a message disseminated on social media on Thursday, the Prime Minister wished everyone a delightful Pongal, describing it as a profoundly moving celebration that unites individuals and fortifies bonds of love and unity within the community.

He remarked that Pongal serves as a reminder of the significance of agriculture and the respect owed to hard work, embodying the highest values of Indian culture.

PM Modi expressed his hope that the festivities would invigorate renewed enthusiasm and motivation among the populace to pursue their aspirations, alongside praying for the health and well-being of all.

Pongal, celebrated over four days in mid-January, signals the conclusion of the harvest season and pays homage to farmers, livestock, nature, and the Sun god.

Deeply rooted in agrarian customs, the festival symbolizes gratitude, prosperity, and communal harmony, transcending caste, class, and religious divides.

From rural homes to urban communities, the boiling of rice, the creation of kolams, and communal gatherings are central to the celebrations.

In a separate update, the Prime Minister spoke of his recent visit to Somnath, where he engaged with individuals during festivities associated with cultural exchange programs.

He mentioned that participants had lauded initiatives like the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam, which aim to fortify historical and cultural connections between regions.

On this auspicious occasion of Pongal, PM Modi shared insights about the progress of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and how such initiatives bolster the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” by promoting national integration through shared heritage.

The Prime Minister’s outreach comes at a politically crucial moment, as Tamil Nadu approaches the 2026 Assembly elections.

Cultural messaging, linguistic outreach, and references to Tamil identity have become increasingly integral to national political discourse in the State.

While Pongal remains predominantly a celebration of culture and agriculture, political analysts note that such messages also resonate within a broader context of electoral engagement and identity ahead of the crucial polls.

As Tamil Nadu celebrates Pongal with hope and gratitude, the festival once again stands as a testament to the State’s rich traditions, its pivotal role in India’s cultural tapestry, and the evolving political landscape leading into 2026.