Tamil Nadu Pongal 2027: Rs 642.88 Crore for Handloom Sector

Tamil Nadu plans to spend Rs 642.88 crore on 2.27 crore dhotis and sarees for ration cardholders and pensioners as part of the Pongal gift hamper next January. The state government has released a first instalment of Rs 300 crore to the director of Handlooms and Textiles, who will manage procurement over the next six months.

The shift is not just in scale. The new sarees will use a polycot yarn with a higher polyester-to-cotton ratio, making the fabric softer and more breathable. Dhotis and sarees will add gold, silver, or copper-colored polyester zari borders, and sarees will come in green and brighter shades beyond the traditional blue and white. The official who shared the details said the design overhaul is intended to make the dress more comfortable and attractive.

Nearly 2.23 crore rice-category ration cardholders will receive one dhoti and one saree each through the public distribution system, alongside rice, sugarcane, cashew, jaggery, and cash doles. Senior citizens drawing old-age pension and other social welfare beneficiaries will also get the textiles. The official said the early start ensures continuous work for six months for handloom weavers and over five lakh textile workers across the state.

The government has sanctioned the project at a total cost of Rs 642.88 crore. The directorate will procure the dress and distribute it through PDS outlets ahead of the mid-January festival. The procurement cycle is the longest lead time the state has built for the Pongal hamper in recent years, driven by the need to manufacture 2.27 crore units in improved quality.