The whole of Tamil Nadu celebrated Pongal by preparing traditional delicacies,wearing traditional dresses and enjoying traditional art performances which were organized in different parts of the state.The government had distributed 500 crore worth of ingredients for preparing pongal and free dhotis and sarees were distributed to around two crore people.In certain places, the expats too joined the celebrations.On the eve of pongal,the streets were packed with people purchasing decorated pots, sugar canes, turmeric plants and flowers. Homes were all decorated in the traditional style with colourful kolams,sugarcanes,and mango leaves.                 

            On the other hand, the Srilankan Tamil refugees in camps in Thirunelveli and Thoothukudi Districts kept aloof from the celebrations to express solidarity to the fellow men in Mullaitheevu forests in Srilanka.