The Kaanum Pongal festival — the last day of the traditional Pongal harvest celebrations — saw large gatherings of people at beaches, parks and popular tourist destinations across Tamil Nadu today as families and tourists marked the occasion with enthusiasm.

In Chennai, recreation spots such as Marina Beach and Elliot’s Beach were thronged with visitors of all ages, with children playing and families enjoying the holiday atmosphere. The city’s sandy stretches, including Neelankarai and Tiruvanmiyur beach areas, experienced heavy footfall throughout the day as people spent time outdoors after the festival festivities.

Police reported robust security arrangements in place to ensure a safe celebration. In Chennai alone, thousands of officers and support personnel were deployed with high‑visibility monitoring setups, temporary control posts, drone cameras and rapid response teams to manage crowds and prevent any untoward incidents. Safety measures were emphasised especially around the shoreline to discourage people from entering the sea.

The festive atmosphere was not limited to the state capital. Popular tourist spots such as Velankanni Beach, Coimbatore and the Nilgiris, as well as destinations in Trichy (Mukkombu), saw families and holidaymakers enjoying picnics and scenic outings. Police in these districts also strengthened their presence to regulate crowds.

Traffic authorities in Chennai implemented special diversions and crowd‑management plans to help ease travel and maintain smooth movement around high‑density areas. Public transport services were also adjusted to support the large number of commuters heading to beaches and parks.