Thu Jan 09 13:35:29 UTC 2025: ## Pongal Gift Hampers Distributed Across Tamil Nadu
**Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu –** The distribution of Pongal gift hampers to ration cardholders commenced across central Tamil Nadu on Thursday, January 9, 2025. The hampers, containing one kilogram each of raw rice and sugar, sugarcane, and saris/dhotis, are being distributed to millions of beneficiaries.
In Tiruchirappalli district, approximately 8.33 lakh family cardholders, along with 968 inmates of Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation camps, will receive the gifts through 1,219 ration shops. Collector M. Pradeep Kumar inaugurated the distribution, emphasizing a token system to manage crowds and extending the collection period until January 13th.
Similar distributions are underway in Nagapattinam (2.17 lakh cardholders via 386 shops) and Mayiladuthurai (2.83 lakh cardholders via 414 shops), with local officials overseeing the process. The distribution is expected to continue for several days to ensure all eligible recipients receive their hampers.
First Piper 