Pongal and Maattu Pongal were celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Headquarters of Vivekananda Kendra in Vivekanandapuram, Kanyakumari. The celebration witnessed the participation of Akhil Bharatiya Adhikaris, including Mananeeya Sri Balakrishnan Ji, All-India President of VRM & VK, Mananeeya Sri Hanumantarao Ji, All-India Vice President of VRM & VK, Mananeeya Nivedita Didi, All-India Vice President of VRM & VK, Mananeeya Rekha Davey Didi, Joint-General Secretary of VRM & VK, along with Karyakarthas and staff.
Uttarayan, also known as Makar Sankranti, is a lively festival celebrated widely across Bharat, with various names like Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Lohri, Bihu, etc. While traditions and customs vary across regions, the essence of the festival revolves around the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara), marking the culmination of the winter season. In Tamil Nadu, this festival is celebrated as Pongal.
Pongal is a traditional harvest festival which marks the commencement of the auspicious Tamil month of Thai. It spans four days, beginning with Boghi, followed by Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and concluding with Kaanum Pongal. This festival holds both cultural and religious significance, as it is dedicated to expressing gratitude to the Sun God (Surya), cows, bulls, and all entities supporting agriculture. It serves as a time for people to come together, celebrating prosperity, expressing gratitude, and sharing the joyous spirit.
On January 15, 2024, the auspicious Pongal festival was joyously celebrated at Vivekanandapuram. Around 120 people, including Akhil Bharatiya Adhikaris, karyakarthas, staff, and the public, took part in the celebration. Sri. Thalavai N. Sundaram Ji, the M.L.A. from Kanyakumari Constituency also graced the occasion. During the celebration, Sakkarai Pongal, a traditional sweet dish made with rice, moong dal, jaggery, ghee, and nuts, was cooked in front of the Bharat Mata picture near the reception. The crowd joyfully exclaimed ‘Pongalo Pongal!’ as the Pongal overflowed from the pot. The prepared Pongal was then offered to Surya Deva and distributed as Prasad, along with sugarcane, to all. In Tamil, the word ‘Pongal’ literally means ‘overflowing.’ The celebration at Vivekanandapuram echoed the essence of Pongal, overflowing with joy and happiness.
On January 16, 2024, Mattu Pongal was celebrated at the Goshala in Vivekanandapuram. Pongal was prepared in the Goshala and offered to Lord Gopala Krishna along with vegetables. All the cows and bulls at the Goshala were decorated with chandan, kumkum and flower garlands, and a special Go-puja was conducted as part of the celebration. More than 50 people were present during the celebration.
In essence, the celebration of Pongal and Mattu Pongal at Vivekanandapuram harmoniously blended tradition and spirituality with cultural richness and shared festivities.
