Pongal in Pondicherry, India – Photo of the Day
When I mentioned to a friend that I would be in Tamil Nadu in South India in January, he got very excited that I would be there during Pongal.
India is a country of festivals and I hadn’t given it a lot of thought. But by the time our group was in the charming seaside town of Pondicherry, we began seeing all the homes decorated with kolams, the chalk paintings of intricate patterns that are filled in with bright color., I could see why my friend had been so enthusiastic about my timing!
These designs are drawn at the entranceway to most houses – using either an all-white or colored chalk made from rice powder. It’s customary to have your design finished sometime between 10:30 and noon. Afterward, visitors come to your home and are welcomed by the artwork.
As for Pongal, this is the harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu. It’s the same festival that takes place in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, where it’s called Sankrati. All have the same purpose: to usher in a healthy harvest and to celebrate with friends and family.
During this time, cows are painted, strings of flowers and decorations are hung around their neck and everyone enjoys eating Pongal, a rice dish made in a variety of forms including both savory and sweet.
See more lovely photos at DeliciousBaby’s Photo Friday!
Travel Well!
Beth
Related links:
North India Women-only Tour
4 comments
What a beautiful tradition!
I love those cheery colors and designs.
Beth – I am so excited that you were in India for Pongal. It is a truly wonderful time of the year. I hope you got to taste some of the traditional pongal, too!
Just lovely! I was there for Pongal many years ago and was lucky enough to see the week long dance festival in Mahaballipuram. It was magical!