TIRUCHY: In a sight of cultural unity, foreign tourists visiting Tiruchy participated in the Samathuva Pongal celebrations held at the district collectorate on Tuesday, enjoying traditional games, folk performances, and a bullock cart ride alongside District Collector V Saravanan.

Foreign tourists visiting Tamil Nadu took part in Pongal festivities across the State, attracted by the unique nature of the harvest celebration. The tourists, who arrived in Tiruchy as part of their travel itinerary, were in for a surprise as they got invited by the District Collector's office. They were invited to join the festivities organised at the collectorate, where the collector and his family also took part. They were served pongal and briefed about the significance of the festival and its various rituals.

Cultural programmes, including folk dances such as Kummi, Karagam, Silambam and Thappattam, were staged during the event, while a group of students presented Bharatanatyam.

Traditional games like tug of war and uri adi were organised, with the visitors actively participating, followed by a short bullock cart ride within the premises.

Impressed by the arrangements and hospitality, the tourists praised the organisers for their efforts to showcase local traditions and include locals in the celebrations.

Officials from various government departments were also present at the event.