Thanjavur: The ‘Thamizh Desiya Periyakkam (TDP)’ has appealed to people in Tamil Nadu to celebrate “Kaalai Thiruvizha” (bull festival) during Pongal festival in 2017, instead of Jallikattu (as it has been banned by Supreme Court) keeping with the tradition of Tamil people. A resolution to this effect was adopted at the executive committee meeting of the ‘Periyakkam’ here on Sunday.
Briefing presspersons about the resolutions adopted at the meeting, P.Maniarasan, president of the ‘Periyakkam’ said that “Kaalai Thiruvizha” is a traditional festival (way of worship) of Tamils from ancient days.Based on this tradition and following their ancestors, people can celebrate “Kaalai Thiruvizha” in the state.
The ‘Periyakkam’ members will join with people in celebrating “Kaalai Thiruvizha” in Thanjavur, Tiruchy, Pudukkottai, Madurai, Theni, Salem, Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts, Maniarasan said. He also said that Central government should declare Tamil Nadu as drought hit and provide relief to the state.
“Tamil Nadu has not received adequate rain during Northeast monsoon. The entire state is in the grip of severe drought,” he said.
The ‘Periyakkam’ has demanded payment of relief of Rs 25,000 per acre for paddy, Rs 50,000 per acre for sugarcane and Rs 15,000 per acre for lands left barren this year for want of water. Each family of agriculture labourers should be paid Rs 25,000 as relief. Moreover, steps should be taken on a war footing to provide drinking water to people as well as to cattle and wild animals.
