We celebrated Ponggal on the 14th of this month which also marks the Tamil New Year. Everyone got busy very early since we had to perform prayers and put the pot to boil by 10am.
I was the main attraction in my spanking new 'chudidar' topped with a bright red rose!
We had the kolum drawn and all the items needed prepared waiting for the precise time to pour the milk into the pot for it to boil. I was helping by not messing up the artwork although it was very tempting.
Ponggal is basically a Thanksgiving festival praying for a good year ahead. There's Mattu ponggal the next day which is a sign of thanking the cattle and Kanni Ponggal on the third day for the young maidens who seeks good husbands.
I was not allowed anywhere near the fire and hence the chair to sit still and witness the ceremony. It was Bhogi the day before where we got rid of old things as a symbolic sign of new beginnings. I packed and sent my old clothes that I've grown out of for donation.
There was abundance of excitement surrounding the pot as the milk boiled and spilled over the pot. It's good luck and prosperity to have the milk spill flow towards the house which was what took place. We were ecstatic witnessing it.Grandma put in the rice and all the accompanying sweet stuff to cook and we offered it to the Sun God before having it for lunch.
