Photo: Screengrab
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi fed fodder to his cows at Lok Kalyan Marg (LKM) residence on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, which marks the harvest festival of Hindus. In the 39-second clip, PM Modi was seen standing outdoors on a lawn, offering feed to the cows, which were adorned with decorative cloths, keeping with traditional festival practices. PM Modi on Wednesday extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a harvest festival observed across India in accordance with regional traditions.The festival marks the Sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar) and is celebrated as a mid-winter harvest festival.”This sacred occasion of Sankranti is celebrated in various parts of the country according to local customs and traditions. I pray to Lord Surya for everyone’s happiness, prosperity, and excellent health,” PM Modi said through a post on X.PM Modi also attended Pongal celebrations in the national capital on Wednesday, hailing it as a global festival representing one of the oldest civilisations in the world.Modi’s presence at the celebrations at the residence of Union Minister L Murugan here, with leading lights of the Tamil society, including the cast of the recently released film Parasakthi, was seen as an outreach to the southern state where assembly elections are due in the next few months. Addressing the gathering, Modi said this festival celebrates the hard work of the farmers and expresses gratitude to the land and the Sun.He said Pongal, which sends out the message of maintaining harmonious balance with nature, has emerged as a global festival, cherished by Tamilians world over.”The festival of Pongal reminds us that gratitude should go beyond mere words and become an integral part of our daily lives. When the Earth provides us with so much, it is our responsibility to cherish and protect it,” PM Modi said at the celebrations that had Union ministers, bureaucrats, and people from a cross-section of society in attendance.