Pongal: A festive walk with purpose

Pongal would be incomplete without thanking some of the people our lives are totally dependent on. How do they plan to celebrate the harvest festival?

Rani, vegetable seller:

This 60-something-lady discards moldy leaves as she sorts through the spinach, saying, “When I was little, Pongal meant simple celebrations, but now things have changed. Now I work more than 12 hours a day but I earn Rs 100, or less. My business has become quite dull and customers blame me for price hikes (laughs). Because of the rains, this Pongal is not going to be a grand one. So, I’ll cook vada, and sakkara pongal, and worship the sun God.”

Jaya, flower vendor:

“I have been selling flowers for the past 30 years, but this year’s Pongal sales are yet to pick up. The prices of flowers have shot up due to the rains but people shold buy them anyway. Yellow flowers tied to doorways prevent bad luck, that is why they are auspicious. I think I will celebrate the festival by visiting the nearby temple,” says Jaya, smiling.

Sudhakaran, tea master:

I don’t usually celebrate Pongal as I live alone. Instead I come to work, so that I have a nice time talking to the people around, and they serve me hot pongal too (laughs)! I don’t boast of much knowledge but I have a hunch, this year there’s an overall price hike.

Patturaja, auto driver:

My native is Tuticorin, but this time I am not visiting my hometown. Back then, we used to paint pots with rice flour, but now we pressure-cook the same! I remember how bulls and cows were bathed, decorated and worshipped. Those memories are still fresh in me. I’ll be driving my auto as usual. After all, we earn for our families, don’t we?

Saravanan, fancy shop owner:

People at home celebrate Pongal and I work here to make them happy. I’ll be coming to the shop even on January 15. There’s a saying, ‘Thai piranthal vazhi pirakum’, which means that the month Thai brings hope and fresh opportunities. I would like to start the New Year on that note.