Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has described this year’s Pongal festival as a “happy Pongal”, marking the start of the state’s festive celebrations.

Stalin inaugurated the distribution of the Pongal gift package and ₹3,000 cash gift at a ration shop in Alandur, where beneficiaries expressed their gratitude as they received the assistance.

The Pongal package includes traditional items such as one kilo of rice, one kilo of sugar and a full sugarcane, along with the cash gift announced by the state government. This year, over 2.22 crore rice ration card holders and Sri Lankan Tamil families will benefit from the scheme, which has been welcomed by many as an added support for the harvest festival.

Stalin also shared his sentiment on social media, urging people to celebrate together and enjoy the festive spirit across the state, while highlighting the importance of community happiness during Pongal.