ET M+ takes a look at how the city deviates from the traditional norms of Pongal festivities…
MDS Prabu
Come January, and Chennaiites are all agog about Pongal, which, as we all know, is an embodiment of Tamil culture! But the question here, is about the spirit and attitude with which the festival is celebrated. While practical difficulties seem to be a great barrier for the celebration of the festival(due to space constraints), there are also a host of other issues that contribute.
J Hemalatha, a homemaker, says that the true spirit of Pongal is lacking. She blames the mushrooming of apartments, and also feels that the festival is merely restricted to the making of the much loved pongal. Similarly, subsequent celebrations like Maatu Pongal and Kaanum Pongal have no relevance at all within the precincts of the city. She does mention, however, that people are still courteous enough to pay respect to the ’God of the Sun’. "This culture has been inculcated in the minds of a majority of the youth," she says, with a smile.
For G Naveen Deepak, a software engineer with Altech Star Solution, the festival has nothing special to offer. He looks at it as a long weekend and an opportunity to catch up with friends. “I also catch up with the movies that release during this time," he says.
RS Damodaran, a businessman originally from Satthoor (a village down south), has been in Chennai for the past thirty years. He feels, "Whether it is the city or village, or even abroad, Pongal is a very special occasion." He says that his enthusiasm for the festival has increased during his stay in the city. He also reminisces about how he celebrated the festival in his native place. "We would get up very early in the morning," he recalls, "and offer prayers to God. Sugarcanes and other puja items would add fragrance to the serene atmosphere. Maatu Pongal was equally special and the youngsters would have a great time!"
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