The Prime Minister ceremonially prepared Pongal, chanting “Pongalo Pongal,” and formally inaugurated the celebrations.
Published Jan 14, 2026 | 12:34 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 14, 2026 | 12:34 PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking at a special Pongal celebration at the residence of Union Minister L Murugan.
Synopsis: Modi greeted the audience in Tamil and extended Pongal wishes to Tamils across the world. He described Pongal as a festival that expresses gratitude to farmers who feed the world and to the Sun God who supports agriculture, calling it a celebration deeply rooted in Tamil culture.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised water conservation, natural resource protection, and sustainable farming practices such as natural farming, water management, and drip irrigation, while celebrating Pongal in New Delhi on Wednesday, 14 January.
Modi said Tamils have historically treated land like gold and nature like their own eyes. He was speaking while attending a special Pongal celebration at the residence of L Murugan, the Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting.
The Prime Minister ceremonially prepared Pongal, chanting “Pongalo Pongal,” and formally inaugurated the celebrations.
Several film personalities and public figures attended the event, including actors Ravi Mohan, Sivakarthikeyan, Sarathkumar, musician G.V. Prakash, and actor-politician Khushbu.
Senior BJP leaders such as Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran, former state presidents K Annamalai and Tamilisai Soundararajan, and BJP Mahila Morcha national president Vanathi Srinivasan were also present.
Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, BJP national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh, Attorney General R Venkataramani, and several Supreme Court advocates attended the programme. Supreme Court judges MM Sundresh, R Mahadevan, and KV Viswanathan were also present.
Addressing the gathering, Modi greeted the audience in Tamil and extended Pongal wishes to Tamils across the world. He described Pongal as a festival that expresses gratitude to farmers who feed the world and to the Sun God who supports agriculture, calling it a celebration deeply rooted in Tamil culture.
“The Tamil people are known for their love for the world. Earning their affection is my good fortune,” the Prime Minister said. He noted that while Pongal is celebrated in Tamil Nadu, similar harvest festivals are observed across India under different names such as Lohri and Makar Sankranti, reflecting the country’s cultural unity.
Recalling his visit last year to the ancient Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Tamil Nadu and initiatives such as the Kashi–Tamil Sangamam, Modi said these efforts highlight the deep civilisational links between Tamil culture and the rest of India.
He also referred to Thiruvalluvar’s Thirukkural, noting how agriculture is seen as the backbone of life in Tamil tradition.
The Prime Minister recalled attending a natural farming conference in Coimbatore a few months ago, where he said he was impressed by the innovative practices developed by farmers. “For both our plates and our minds to be fulfilled, agriculture is essential,” he remarked.
Concluding his speech, Modi raised slogans of “Iniya Pongal Nalvaazhthukkal” and “Vaazhga Tamil,” extending festive greetings to all.
Pongal celebrates the vibrant Tamil culture and our bond with nature. May the festival bring prosperity and happiness to everyone’s life. Addressing a programme in Delhi.
https://t.co/NwwT3DHnp1— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 14, 2026
