Pongal 'o' Pongal

Pongal is celebrated extensively in our families. In childhood, I used to visit both maternal and paternal grandparents home (both the homes are in the same village - Panangature at Erode district in Tamil Nadu, India). For me, Pongal was at those days were sweets, watching TV and new movies. I didn't have lot of cousins and that is one of the reasons for limited enjoyment. At father's side, I was the only grandchild and at mother's side, had only one cousin (Sethu). And his school schedule didn't have holidays for Pongal. When friend's tell their stories of get together with cousins and fun they had, I used to envy them though my parents have always given me good company in all ways they could. Though I'm not lucky with cousins, I'm very lucky with friends.

With my parents

With my maternal granny

Pongal is no more so after kids. The excitement they build for each festival is so different and Pongal is extra special. Akil started the count down a week before. The first day, we celebrated at mom's place and the second day at in-law's place. He was more excited about the second day as it was the festival for his cows. Arnav is also following the footsteps of bro in being an animal lover. Akil is always proud about having a farm house and two cows. For him, Pongal means so many things - colorful kolams (rangoli), decorative pot, sweet pongal, decorating the cows, eating sugarcane and so on. Mom on the first day made sure to satisfy all his criteria's. He was boasting around that he has strong teeth that he is able to easily chew sugarcane. We also made a travel to my grandma's place. There are lot of hen and chick's over there. Arnav was constantly calling them, "ba..ba..ba". He would call me and show, "Amma... ba.. ba.. ba". Little one is able to talk few words and convey all that he wants.  

The next day, traveled to in-law's place. Kids were walking around the cow, bathing them, feeding them & decorating them. There were also goats in the neighbour field. Those also added to the excitement. To keep up the momentum, myself and my sister-in-law put kolam with cow and made them colourful. All together, it was a festival that was well realised.