New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen donning a mundu, a traditional South Indian garment worn the waist, to take part in Pongal celebrations at Minister of State L Murugan's residence in Delhi on Wednesday. The video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi performing the rituals has surfaced on the internet. It can be seen in the video that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is wearing a white mundu along with a black coat. The Prime Minister also held a shawl on his left shoulder.
Tamilisai Soundararajan also present with PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seen in the video entering the residence of MoS L Murugan in Delhi and taking part in the celebrations. Puducherry Lt Governor and Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan also present at the residence of MoS Murugan. PM Narendra Modi is seen putting something in a container which is kept on fire for cooking and then proceeds towards a cow standing inside the mandap. PM Modi garlands the cow and then feeds it something.
The onlookers are seen filming the Prime Minister donning the mundu and taking part in the celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets 'Happy Pongal' to all the people.
Pongal is celebrated by the Tamil community
Pongal is a festival celebrated by the Tamil community. It is a harvest festival and it is commemorated to express gratitude towards the Sun and Mother Nature for providing the animals which helps in cultivating the crops and working in the farms. The festival is celebrated of over four days and also marks the beginning of the Tamil month which is known as 'Thai'.
Thai month is considered as an auspicious month
Thai month is considered as an auspicious month among the Tamilians and usually falls on the 14th or 15th day of January each year. The name of the festival 'Pongal' is derived from the dish which is prepared and consumed with great fervour on the occassion. Pongal is derived from the word 'Pongu' which can be translated as "to boil over".
