Minister of Tourism K. Ramachandran attended the Pongal Festival held on behalf of the Department of Tourism at Udagai Government Botanical Garden in Ooty. District Collector M. Aruna presided.
In his speech, the Minister said the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu has advised to celebrate the festival in the best possible way. Based on that, every year in Tamil Nadu, Taithirunaal, Tamilar Thirunal and Pongal Festival are celebrated for four days in the tradition, and culture of Tamil Nadu.
Without the sun, no action takes place. So we are celebrating this festival by worshipping Lord Surya, all the natural resources and animals.
Former CM Dr. Kalainar came up with a project called Samathuvapuram with the aim of making everyone live in harmony without discrimination of caste, religion, race, language, rich or poor. Based on that, this is an egalitarian Pongal festival without any discrimination.
So, all should come together regardless of caste and religion to celebrate this festival. Following this, he viewed the performances of Bharatanatyam and traditional dance of the tribal people and gave them incentives and appreciated them.
On behalf of the Nilgiri Conservation Center, the director Mr. Venugopal released a mini-mython and presented it to the tourism pioneers. In this event, Utagai MLA R. Ganesh, SP Sundara Vadvel, District Panchayat President Mr. Ponthos, Joint Director of Horticulture Shipilameri, Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Zonal Manager Guneshwaran, District Tourism Officer Umashankar, and many officials attended the event.