On Thiruvalluvar Day 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar paid rich tributes to the legendary Tamil poet-philosopher, urging people to read the Tirukkural and imbibe its timeless values.
Thiruvalluvar Day 2026 was observed with reverence across the country on Friday, January 16, coinciding with the Pongal celebrations in Tamil Nadu.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the celebrated Tamil philosopher-poet Thiruvalluvar, calling upon citizens to read and reflect on the Tirukkural, one of the greatest classical works of Tamil literature.
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“Today, on Thiruvalluvar Day, paying homage to the versatile Thiruvalluvar, whose works and ideals inspire innumerable people,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
Highlighting the relevance of Thiruvalluvar’s teachings even today, Modi added that the poet believed in a harmonious and compassionate society and truly personified the finest values of Tamil culture. He described the Tirukkural as a window into the outstanding intellect of the great thinker.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also paid tribute, stating that Thiruvalluvar’s life and teachings continue to guide humanity towards compassion and righteous living. “Offer tribute to the great Tamil poet, philosopher and saint Thiruvalluvar. His teachings inspire us to lead a virtuous life,” Jaishankar posted on X.
The occasion was marked by cultural expressions across India. In Odisha’s Puri, renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik created an elaborate sand sculpture on Puri beach, featuring Thiruvalluvar holding a book with the message “Tribute to Thiruvalluvar,” drawing admiration from visitors.
Thiruvalluvar is revered as one of the greatest poets and philosophers of Tamil heritage. Though little is known about his personal life, scholars believe he lived between the 8th and 9th centuries.
It is widely believed that he resided in Mylapore, now a neighbourhood in Chennai, where a temple dedicated to him was established within the Ekambareswarar temple complex in the 16th century. Chennai is also home to Valluvar Kottam, built in 1976, while a towering 133-foot statue of Thiruvalluvar stands at Kanyakumari.
His magnum opus, the Tirukkural, consists of 1,330 couplets across 133 chapters, divided into virtue, wealth, and love. Its universal wisdom on ethics, governance, and human values continues to inspire millions across generations.
To honour his legacy, Thiruvalluvar Day is observed annually on January 15 or 16 in Tamil Nadu. As per the state government’s official holiday list, Thiruvalluvar Day 2026 was observed on Friday, January 16.
Published: 16 Jan 2026, 11:01 am IST
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