By Admin 
On January 14, 2026, in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Union Minister of State L. Participated in Pongal celebrations at Murugan’s residence. PM Modi performed puja in the traditional way, performed aarti and fed the cow. He stayed there for about an hour.
PM Modi stayed for 1 hour at Union Minister’s house
Union Minister L. In the Pongal celebrations at Murugan’s house, Ven Pongal (salty) and Sakkarai Pongal (sweet) were prepared mainly from new rice. Coconut chutney, sambar, vada, payasam, banana and seasonal fruits were served with them. On this occasion, PM Modi said that Tamil culture is one of the oldest living civilizations in the world, which connects centuries.
Pongal has become a global festival: Modi
Talking about the importance of Pongal festival, PM Modi said, ‘Pongal has now become a global festival. Tamil community all over the world and people who love Tamil culture celebrate it with great enthusiasm. I am proud to be one of them.
PM Modi further said that Pongal teaches us the importance of maintaining balance between nature, family and society. It celebrates the hard work of farmers and reminds us of the importance of the earth, soil health, water conservation and balanced use of resources. He mentioned campaigns like Mission Life, ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and Amrit Sarovar, which carry forward this spirit of environmental protection.
PM Modi mentioned several programs related to Tamil culture in the last one year, such as visiting the 1000-year-old temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Kashi Tamil Sangamam and inauguration of Pamban Bridge in Rameshwaram.
What is Pongal festival?
Pongal festival is mainly celebrated from 14 to 17 January, which includes Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal (Thai Pongal – main day), Mattu Pongal (worship of cows and bulls) and Kaanum Pongal. It falls around Makar Sankranti and symbolizes the rich agricultural traditions of India. It is the major harvest festival of Tamil Nadu, celebrated to express gratitude to nature, Sun God, livestock and farmers.
During Pongal, traditional dishes are mainly cooked from new rice. These include sweet and salty. Coconut chutney, sambar, vada, payasam, banana and seasonal fruits are served with them. According to tradition, sweet and salty food is cooked in earthen pots in the open space. The overflow of milk and rice is considered an auspicious sign of prosperity.
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