Foreign tourists take part in Pongal festival in Tamil Nadu

Chennai/Trichy, Jan 15 (ANI): Foreign tourists on Sunday took part in the celebrations of Pongal, a traditional harvest festival, in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Pongal, celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month of Thai during which people carry out processions and prepare traditional rice and cashew dishes.

European tourists were seen taking part in the festivities in Chennai and expressed their delight.

"It's my absolute pleasure and surprise to be at this wonderful festival to celebrate the crops and I'm absolutely amazed by the kindness and such a warm welcome from the Indian people," said Nicolai, a tourist.

Tourists visiting Trichy were also in high spirits as they enjoyed the celebrations.

"It's amazing, the people here are very amazing. The festival is very beautiful as the people here are most welcoming," said Vitty, a French tourist.

Pongal also coincides with Makar Sankranti festival, which marks the northward journey of the Sun as it enters the Capricorn zodiac.

The festival is celebrated across India. In the north, it is known as Lohri while people in Assam, observe it as Bihu. (ANI)