On January 4, 2026, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin directed the state government to give ₹3,000 cash to all eligible ration card holders as a Pongal gift this year. According to an official release, rice ration card holders and those in Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation camps will receive this cash gift as part of the Pongal hamper. The state government will spend ₹6,936 crore for the distribution of the Pongal gift hamper, which includes the cash component. Additionally, free dhotis and sarees will be distributed as part of the celebrations.