Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], January 4 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin on Sunday announced a Pongal festival cash assistance of Rs 3,000 for all rice ration card-holding families across the state, extending the benefit to families residing in Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation camps as well.
The move aims to help households celebrate Pongal, the traditional Tamil harvest festival, in a more festive and inclusive manner.
According to a state government press release, the cash gift will be distributed ahead of the festival through fair price shops, along with the customary Pongal gift hamper and clothing. The Chief Minister has directed officials to ensure all arrangements are completed before Pongal, so beneficiaries receive assistance without delay.
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.
The government estimates that a total of 2,22,01,710 rice ration card-holding families and families living in Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation camps will benefit from the Pongal assistance this year. In addition, dhotis and sarees meant for Pongal distribution have already been dispatched to all districts, officials said.
The Rs 3,000 cash assistance is expected to provide additional financial relief to households amid rising living costs and to help families meet festival-related expenses. The state government described the initiative as part of its commitment to social welfare and inclusive development.
Earlier on Saturday, Chief Minister Stalin also launched the DMK Election Manifesto Portal 2026 at the party headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, in Chennai. The portal allows people from various sections of society, including farmers, traders, professionals, government employees and youth, to submit suggestions for the party's upcoming election manifesto. DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi said the initiative reflects the party's intention to prepare a "people's manifesto" by actively seeking public participation.