The festival of Pongal "marks an occasion of honouring our culture, tradition and the farmers and their farming practices," the Lt Governor said in his message.
"People also celebrate Pongal as a festival of joy of giving," he said.
Chief Minister N Rangasamy, Ministers, MPs R Radhakrishnan, N.Gokulakrishnan and AICC General Secretary V Narayanasamy and PCC leader A.Namassivayam were among those who greeted the people.