Pongal Celebrated Across Tamil Nadu

On Monday, 15 January 2024, the Harvest festival Pongal was celebrated across Tamil Nadu, with grand festivities in the Tamil month 'Thai.'

The famous Avaniapuram Jallikattu -- the bull-taming festival -- in Madurai coincides with the festival.

Scores of tamers tried to subdue the charging bulls by latching on their hump.

People across the state ushered in the auspicious Tamil month 'Thai,' preparing the sweet dish 'Pongal,' made of rice and jaggery to symbolize prosperity.

Several houses were decorated on the occasion and people dressed up in new dresses celebrated the festival with much joy and fervor.

Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi, Chief Minister M K Stalin, AIADMK general secretary and state Leader of Opposition, Edappadi K Palaniswami, DMK MP Kanimozhi, among others, extended their Pongal greetings.

In his Pongal greetings, DMK Youth Wing chief and state Minister Udhyanidhi Stalin wished a happy "Tamil New Year."

"Let the regressive Aryan practices perish and Dravidian equality flourish. Wishing you all a #HappyPongal and a Happy Tamil New Year. @astrokiru," he said in a post on 'X.'

The DMK government headed by the late M Karunanidhi during its 2006-11 rule had changed the Tamil calendar to bring the Tamil New Year, celebrated in April, to January, coinciding with 'Thai.'

However, the subsequent AIADMK government under the late J Jayalalithaa reverted it to April, or the Tamil month 'Chithirai.'