Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated in the state of Tamil Nadu from 14 January to 17 January. Pongal festival is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Bhagwan) and is one of the most important festival for the people of Tamil Nadu. On the same date (14th January), the festival of  Makar Sankranti is also celebrated all over India in various names. To commemorate Pongal, SARVAM had organized Pongal Celebrations for the children and women of Poothurai and the surrounding villages.  Nearly 200 children and 50 women participated and thoroughly enjoyed the celebrations.  They showed their gratitude the Sun God for their good harvest this year.

This celebration is being organised after a long gap in the village. Due to COVID-19 and the lockdown rules, no programs were organized in the village for many months. Pongal celebrations gave an opportunity to the students and women to come together and celebrate the harvest festival. Many women shared their problems that they faced during the lockdown and they also informed how they overcame those crisis.

Children shared their views on Pongal. Women explained the traditional way of celebrating Pongal and how that custom is followed till date.  There were exchange of Sweets ,Pongal, Snacks and Sugarcane during the get-together.

SARVAM ensured that all safety precautions and government norms were strtictly followed during the celebrations.  All the students and women were asked to sanitize and their body temperature was also checked.

This celebration was a sign of starting everything new after leaving all the problems behind. A great hope was instilled amongst all the people after interacting with everyone.