PM Modi gifts his shawl to girl during Pongal Celebrations in Delhi; WATCH

In a heartwarming gesture, PM Modi generously presented his shawl to a young girl who showcased her talent during the Pongal celebrations at the residence of Union Minister of State L Murugan in the national capital.

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The young singer, who performed at the event, expressed her gratitude by touching PM Modi's feet, prompting the Prime Minister to gift her his shawl in a special gesture of appreciation.

Earlier in the day, while extending his Pongal greetings, PM Modi emphasized that the festival embodies the spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.' He conveyed these sentiments during the Pongal celebrations at Union Minister of State L Murugan's residence in the national capital.

"The country celebrated the festival of Lohri yesterday. Some people are celebrating Makar Sankranti today and some people will celebrate tomorrow; Magh Bihu is also coming. I extend my greetings to the countrymen for these festivals," he shared.

PM Modi expressed a desire to celebrate Pongal with a sense of familial joy, stating, "Wish you all a very happy Pongal! On this pious occasion, I wish happiness, prosperity, and contentment to flow in your lives. Today, I feel like I am celebrating Pongal with my kith and kin."

Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan was also present during the festivities.

Highlighting the significance of Pongal, PM Modi remarked, "The festival of Pongal depicts the emotion of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'...This emotion of unity will give strength to the 'Viksit Bharat' of 2047."

He underlined the agricultural connection of festivals, stating, "Saint Tiruvallur has said that 'Good harvest, educated men, and honest traders together build the nation.' It's a tradition that on Pongal, the first harvest is offered to God. At the heart of this tradition lie our farmers. In fact, all our festivals are, in one way or another, connected to agriculture."

PM Modi emphasized the role of more than three crore farmers in the production of Shree Anna (millet grains), noting that promoting Shree Anna directly benefits these farmers.

The Prime Minister also enjoyed a cultural program at Murugan's residence as part of the Pongal festivities.

Pongal, a harvest festival celebrated by the Tamils, serves as an expression of gratitude to the Sun, nature, and farm animals for contributing to a bountiful harvest. Spanning four days, Pongal also marks the auspicious beginning of the Tamil month called Thai.

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