DMK Leader Critiques Amit Shah's Misunderstanding of Tamil Cultural Celebrations

Senior DMK leader T K S Elangovan criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah for wishing people Thiruvalluvar Day instead of Pongal, highlighting a lack of understanding of Tamil culture. Elangovan stressed Pongal's significance as a secular harvest festival dedicated to farmers, contrasting it with Thiruvalluvar Day.

Senior DMK leader, T K S Elangovan, sharply criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday for extending wishes for Thiruvalluvar Day instead of the traditional Pongal celebration, suggesting a significant misunderstanding of Tamil culture by the BJP leadership.

Thiruvalluvar Day is typically celebrated on the second day of the Tamil month, Thai, coinciding with 'Mattu Pongal,' the second day of the harvest festival, Pongal. In an interview with PTI Videos, Elangovan underscored that Pongal is a secular festival honoring farmers and agriculturalists.

Elangovan emphasized, "Pongal is not a religious function; it celebrates the contribution of farmers." He implied Amit Shah might be unaware of Thiruvalluvar's role, proposing that the BJP's knowledge of Tamil culture is lacking. He challenged the Union Minister to embrace the teachings of Thiruvalluvar, particularly the value of equality, as a step towards cultural appreciation.

(With inputs from agencies.)