The AIADMK Government in Tamil Nadu today announced a package comprising rice, sugar and Rs 100 cash each for 1.84 crore ration card holders in the state for the harvest festival Pongal.
This would incur an additional expense of Rs 281 crore to the government, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa said, adding, the same initiative was implemented last year.
Pongal, which falls on January 14, is the main festival of Tamils, marking the birth of auspicious Tamil month 'Thai,' and is celebrated with a lot of fervour and gaiety.
The households prepare Pongal, a sweet delicacy made of rice, milk and jaggery.
