Tamil Nadu switches to four-mulam dhotis for Pongal gift scheme
Tamil Nadu will distribute four-mulam washed dhotis instead of eight-mulam ones for Pongal, citing public preference and weaver cooperation.
The Tamil Nadu government has decided to change the length of dhotis distributed under its annual Pongal gift scheme, with the state now opting for four-mulam (approximately 1.8 to 2 metres) washed dhotis instead of the previously issued eight-mulam variant.
Handlooms, Textiles, and Khadi Minister Vijay Balaji announced the decision in the Assembly on Monday, stating that the change came in response to demand from the public. He said ruling party legislators and ministers would attend the House wearing the new four-mulam dhotis after distribution begins, and challenged opposition members to wear the eight-mulam dhotis from their tenure for comparison.
Balaji said that since the TVK government assumed office, he received multiple requests from people who were tired of the same design over the past 12 years. He brought the matter to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, who approved fulfilling the public's request.
Department officials held consultations to gauge public opinion, which favoured the four-mulam length. The Minister also met weavers in Nagercoil, who welcomed the plan and agreed to cooperate. Factories producing dhotis reportedly informed the government that a majority of people already wear the shorter length.
The government has placed orders for procurement of dhotis and saris under the scheme.