Chennai

Purohit said the birth of Tamil month 'Chithirai' was celebrated as the new year to "mark the onset of peace, prosperity and joy in our families."

"I extend my wishes and greetings to the people of Tamil Nadu on this auspicious occasion. May the new year be filled with hope, optimism and success for the people of Tamil Nadu," he said in a Raj Bhavan statement.

Palaniswami, while extending his greetings, said former chief minister J Jayalalithaa had "retrieved" the pride of celebrating the new year in 'Chithirai.'

The M Karunanidhi-led DMK government had in 2008 revised the Tamil new year to the month of 'Thai' (January), coinciding with the harvest festival Pongal.

However, Jayalalithaa, after coming to power in 2016, reverted to the earlier practice of celebrating the new year in 'Chithirai.'

DMK continues to celebrate the new year in 'Thai.'

In a statement today, Palaniswami said his government was striving to make Tamil Nadu the numero uno in various fields and was therefore implementing a number of social welfare measures.

"In this new year, I request people to properly utilise these schemes and ensure their prosperity and thereby contribute towards building a strong and prosperous Tamil Nadu," he said.

He wished all round prosperity and joy in the lives of Tamils in the new year.

TNCC President Su Thirunavukkarasar, BJP state president Tamilisai Soundararajan and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam chief TTV Dhinakaran also greeted people on the occasion.

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