New Delhi [India], January 14 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday highlighted the rich legacy of Tamil culture, stating that it is not confined to Tamil Nadu alone but is a shared heritage of the entire country.

Addressing a Pongal celebration event at Union Minister L. Murugan's residence in the national capital, the Prime Minister said that festivals like Pongal strengthen the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.'

'Tamil culture is not limited to Tamil Nadu alone; it is a shared heritage of the entire nation of India. In fact, it is a shared legacy of all humanity. When I speak of the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, festivals like Pongal make this sentiment even stronger,' PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister noted that Pongal has now become a global festival and said he felt privileged to be part of its celebrations. He added that the festival reflects the hard work of farmers and expresses gratitude towards nature, the Earth, and the Sun.

'Pongal has become a global festival today. Across the world, the Tamil community and those who admire Tamil culture celebrate it with great enthusiasm, and I too am one of them. It is a matter of privilege for me to celebrate this special festival with all of you. In our lives, Pongal is like a pleasant experience. It reflects the hard work of our food providers--the farmers--and expresses gratitude towards the Earth and the Sun. At the same time, this festival shows us the path to maintaining balance between nature, family, and society,' the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Modi also noted widespread enthusiasm nationwide for festivals such as Lohri, Makar Sankranti, and Magh Bihu during this period.

'At this time, there is also great enthusiasm for festivals like Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu, and several others being celebrated in different parts of the country. I extend my heartfelt greetings to Tamil brothers and sisters living in India and across the world on the occasion of Pongal and all these festivals,' the Prime Minister said.

Pongal, one of the most significant festivals for Tamils worldwide, marks thanksgiving to nature, the sun, farm animals, and farmers. It is traditionally celebrated as a family festival symbolising prosperity, gratitude, and togetherness. To facilitate the celebrations, the Tamil Nadu government had earlier announced a Pongal gift package comprising one kilogram of raw rice, one kilogram of sugar, and one full-length sugarcane for all eligible beneficiaries. (ANI)