Pongal a global festival, cherished by Tamil community world over: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, said that Pongal, which conveys the message of maintaining harmonious balance with nature, has emerged as a global festival fondly remembered by the Tamil world.

Participating in Pongal celebrations at the residence of Union Minister L. Murugan, the Prime Minister said that this festival celebrates the hard work of farmers and expresses gratitude to the land and the sun.

“The Pongal festival reminds us that gratitude must go beyond mere words and become an integral part of our daily lives. When the world provides us with so much, it is our responsibility to nurture and protect it,” Mr. Modi said at the celebrations attended by Union Ministers, bureaucrats and people from various walks of life. he said.

The Prime Minister said that the Tamil community and those who value Tamil culture across the world celebrate Pongal with great enthusiasm and he is proud to be among them.

Mr. Modi said Tamil culture is one of the oldest surviving civilizations in the world and embodies centuries of wisdom and tradition that draws lessons from history to guide the path to the future.

“Inspired by this heritage, today’s India draws strength from its cultural roots as it moves forward. On this auspicious occasion of Pongal, we feel that the spirit of trust and unity that carries India forward is deeply rooted in its culture and has great respect for its land,” the Prime Minister said. he said.

Mr. Modi also said that the Pongal festival highlights the importance of maintaining a harmonious balance between nature, family and society.

“It is very important to maintain soil health, preserve water and use resources wisely for future generations. Initiatives like Mission LiFE, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam and Amrit Sarovar embody this spirit and encourage us to preserve these values,” the Prime Minister said. he said.

In a letter written in Tamil and English, he said Pongal is also to express our gratitude to all those who enrich our lives with their hard work.

“Dear citizens, Vanakkam! I extend my heartfelt greetings to you and your family on the occasion of Happy Pongal. This special festival reminds us of the close relationship between human labor and the rhythms of nature,” Mr. Modi said in his letter.

The Prime Minister noted that this festival is deeply connected with agriculture, hard-working farmers, rural life and the dignity of work.

Families come together to prepare traditional meals and share joy and goodwill, which strengthens intergenerational ties and strengthens the spirit of togetherness, he said.

“We in India are proud of the fact that we are home to the world’s oldest language, Tamil. It is gratifying to see Pongal emerging as a global festival. It is celebrated with enthusiasm by the Tamil community in Tamil Nadu, different parts of India and across the world,” he said.

“Once again, we extend Pongal warm wishes to you. May this festival bring abundant prosperity, success and good health in everyone’s life,” Mr. Modi said.

The Prime Minister’s support for the Tamil community is important ahead of the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu this year.