She observed that Pongal, once celebrated only by Hindus as a festival of 'life-love', has now become a celebration for all, which is a welcome change. However, efforts by some to dilute the festival's core philosophy of sun worship and reduce it to mere celebration.
Coimbatore: Today, Vanathi Srinivasan released a statement extending warm Pongal greetings to Tamilians worldwide. She elaborated on the festival's essence as a harvest celebration, known as Pongal or Makar Sankranti, celebrated in various forms across the country.
In her message, she emphasized the concept of 'humaneness' being discussed globally, but pointed out that Indian culture has long advocated 'compassion for all life forms' for thousands of years, a principle highlighted by the Pongal festival.
She reminded everyone that agriculture is the backbone of human existence and that without the sun, no crops would grow, thereby halting agriculture and life itself. Pongal is a festival that venerates the sun as God for this reason.
Vanathi Srinivasan also mentioned the fundamental role of cattle in agriculture, which is why a day during the Pongal festivities is dedicated to thanking them. She observed that Pongal, once celebrated only by Hindus as a festival of 'life-love', has now become a celebration for all, which is a welcome change. However, she expressed concern over efforts by some to dilute the festival's core philosophy of sun worship and reduce it to mere celebration.
She highlighted the traditional sport of Jallikattu, integral to Pongal celebrations, and its connection to Hindu temples. Srinivasan raised concerns about attempts to dissociate Jallikattu from its religious roots. She urged the public to recognize and resist these attempts.
Concluding her message, Vanathi Srinivasan reiterated her Pongal greetings to everyone, underlining the importance of preserving the cultural and spiritual essence of the festival.
In her message, she emphasized the concept of 'humaneness' being discussed globally, but pointed out that Indian culture has long advocated 'compassion for all life forms' for thousands of years, a principle highlighted by the Pongal festival.
She reminded everyone that agriculture is the backbone of human existence and that without the sun, no crops would grow, thereby halting agriculture and life itself. Pongal is a festival that venerates the sun as God for this reason.
Vanathi Srinivasan also mentioned the fundamental role of cattle in agriculture, which is why a day during the Pongal festivities is dedicated to thanking them. She observed that Pongal, once celebrated only by Hindus as a festival of 'life-love', has now become a celebration for all, which is a welcome change. However, she expressed concern over efforts by some to dilute the festival's core philosophy of sun worship and reduce it to mere celebration.
She highlighted the traditional sport of Jallikattu, integral to Pongal celebrations, and its connection to Hindu temples. Srinivasan raised concerns about attempts to dissociate Jallikattu from its religious roots. She urged the public to recognize and resist these attempts.
Concluding her message, Vanathi Srinivasan reiterated her Pongal greetings to everyone, underlining the importance of preserving the cultural and spiritual essence of the festival.