Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu MK Stalin launched distribution of Pongal gift hampers containing ₹1,000 cash to 2.19 crore rice cardholders and residents of Sri Lankan Tamil Rehabilitation camps. Besides the cash, the gift pack also comprises raw rice and sugar, a full piece of sugarcane, 'dhothi' and a 'saree'. The government has allotted ₹2,429 crore for Pongal gifts.