Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recently went to Madurai to be a part of the ongoing Pongal celebrations. 

The annual harvest is celebrated with Pongal, a festival that will span the next four days. 

Coinciding with other festivals across the country like Bihu in Assam and Uttarayan in Gujarat, and Makar Sankranti in Punjab, Rahul Gandhi, attended the popular "Jallikattu" event today. 

© Twitter/ INC

He wasn't the only politician present there, as RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, for instance, is in Chennai for a two-day visit to offer his Pongal prayers at the Sri Kadumbadi Chinnamman Temple in the state capital's Ponniammanmedu locality.

"Pongal is celebrated for three days in Tamil Nadu, unlike the rest of India where it is a day-long festival. On day-one, Sun and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped, which represents prosperity. On day-two, cows are worshipped. The cow represents nature and provides assistance to us. We worship her to thank all those who work for us. On day-three, we meet our acquaintances and eat sweets. Sweets represent that our speech should be cordial with everyone," Mr Bhagwat said.

Rahul Gandhi was joined by DMK youth leader Udayanidhi Stalin during the Pongal celebrations.

Shri @RahulGandhi enjoys lunch with women and children in Madurai as part of Pongal celebrations.#VanakkamRahulGandhi pic.twitter.com/WisJjWh3R3

— Congress (@INCIndia) January 14, 2021

"I have come here as I think Tamil culture, language, and history are essential for India's and need to be respected. I've come here to give a message to those who think that they can run roughshod over Tamil people, can push aside Tamil language and Tamil culture," Mr Gandhi said at the event.

© Twitter/ INC

But people were more impressed with the way Rahul Gandhi was expertly eating rice by using his hands. 

Not using cutlery and using just his hands to eat food has been a longstanding tradition of sorts in various parts of the country.

People were clearly impressed by the way he adapted to the local tradition.

Shri @RahulGandhi enjoys lunch with women and children in Madurai as part of Pongal celebrations.#VanakkamRahulGandhi pic.twitter.com/WisJjWh3R3

— Congress (@INCIndia) January 14, 2021

They even called him humble.

Humble Person 🤩

— ɴɪꜱᴀʀ ᴀʜᴇᴍᴀᴅ (@nisar_ahemad_45) January 14, 2021

People were even perplexed by the way he was eating the food.

But lunch ko aise jump kara kar chaney ki tarah koun khata hai bhai🤪🤣

— Rupesh Chanchal (@rupeshchanchal) January 14, 2021

But, he was appreciated for this gesture.

A real people's leader.His best charecter is interacting with all;especially with ordinary and poor people.

— Mohanakrishnank (@Mohanak91490022) January 14, 2021

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