PM Modi feeds cows at his residence on Makar Sankranti | Photos inside

On the occasion of Makar Sankranti on January 14, Prime Minister Narendra Modi fed cows at his residence in the national capital. View the photos here.

On On the occasion of Makar Sankranti on January 14, Prime Minister Narendra Modi fed cows at his residence Panchavati in the national capital New Delhi.

In one of the photos, Prime Minister Modi is seen petting the cows while dressed casually.

The Prime Minister can be seen feeding cows on a lawn near his home.

According to Hindu traditions, feeding cows on auspicious occasions such as Maar Sankranti brings blessings.

In another photo he sits while feeding the cows.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Modi gifted his shawl to a young girl who performed during the Pongal celebrations at Union External Affairs Minister L. Murugan's residence in the national capital.
A young singer performed at the event and later touched Prime Minister Modi's feet before handing her his scarf as a special gesture.
Prime Minister Modi, while extending greetings on the occasion of Pongal, said the festival depicts the emotion of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'.
“The country celebrated the festival of Lohri yesterday. Some people celebrate Makar Sankranti today, and some people will celebrate it tomorrow; Magh Bihu also comes. I greet the countrymen for these festivals,” the Prime Minister continued
Makar Sankranti is an important festival in the Indian calendar where devotees make offerings to the Hindu god Surya. The day marks the first day of the sun's passage to the Makara and marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days.
The festival, held on January 14 every year, is known by different names in different parts of the country such as Pongal, Bihu and Maghi. Devotees across the country perform their rituals at various ghats.
The festival of Makar Sankranti is also associated with strengthening friendships, it is a time to celebrate the unmistakable departure of winter by preparing khichdi, kite flying, sesame sweets and coconut laddoos.