Pongal – A Festival of Agriculture and Tradition

Various competitions highlighting Pongal traditions and agricultural practices are organized under eight categories. Honorable Minister for Tamil Development, Culture, and Information, Mr. M.P. Saminathan, will inaugurate the competitions, distribute prizes, and address the gathering.

This grand Pongal festival has been celebrated for a long time, preserving its cultural vibrancy. It is a festival that expresses gratitude to agriculture, our livelihood, and the hardworking farming community. Farmers joyfully celebrate this occasion by thanking nature, including the sun, earth, and cattle, for their contributions to human well-being.

During Pongal, farmers bring freshly harvested crops home and offer thanksgiving rituals to the deities. Through this, they honor the elements that sustain life and renew their commitment to agricultural prosperity. The festival celebrates our rich heritage, heroism, cooperation, and resilience.

Competitions Conducted by the Department:

In celebration of Pongal, the Information and Public Relations Department is conducting the following eight competitions:

1. Drawing Competition:
   Theme: Illustrations showcasing Pongal and Tamil traditions.
   Eligibility: Open to all.
2. Art/Drawing Competition:
   Theme: Paintings or sketches on Pongal celebrations or farmers.
   Mediums: Painting, stencil, sketch, crayons.
   Eligibility: Open to all.
3. Photography Competition:
   Theme: Pictures of Jallikattu, Pongal celebrations, and related cultural events, or capturing the essence of rural life during Pongal.
   Eligibility: Open to all.
4. Reels Competition:
   Theme: One-minute reels showcasing traditional games, dances (e.g., kolattam, karagattam), or Pongal-related events.
   Eligibility: Open to all.
5. Oratory Competition:
   Eligibility: Students aged 1 to 13 years.
6. Clay Art Competition:
   Theme: Creating clay art inspired by Pongal or Tamil traditions.
   Eligibility: Open to all.
7. Selfie Competition:
   Theme: Take a selfie with Pongal offerings, Jallikattu bulls, or during Pongal celebrations.
   Eligibility: Open to all.
8. Documentary Competition:
   Theme: Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s Pongal heritage, Jallikattu traditions, or related cultural practices.
   Eligibility: Open to all.

Participants are encouraged to actively take part in these competitions and make this Pongal festival a memorable one.

Rules and Regulations:

1. Submissions should not contain offensive or inappropriate content.
2. Entries must adhere to the theme and guidelines provided.

Submission Deadline:
Participants must scan the QR code provided, complete the application form, and submit their entries by 20-01-2025. Alternatively, entries can be emailed to tndiprmhpongal2025@gmail.com.

Issued by: Director, Information and Public Relations Department, Chennai – 9