The first day of the month “thai”
how it is called in Tamil with love
comes in mid January
a festival called Pongal
being a thanksgiving to God
being celebrated with splendour
all throughout by the Tamils .
A beautiful concept as seen
wherein the harvest being over
new rice being brought in
an iron or a mud stove
and mud or metallic pots
adorned and sketched
with fastidious colours .
The images of leaves and flowers
drawn with such artistic instincts
while the floor shines with an ethnic print
which holds the rice powder as a base
around the pots are tied the rice stalk
mango leaves and turmeric stalks
add to the charm of the festival.
The family gathers around the stove
the conch is blown a sign to start
the lady of thee house comes forth
dressed up in a sari bright and new
with flowers around her hair
she places the pot on the stove
much to the cheer of the family.
The celebration progresses
as fresh milk is poured in to the pot
then the rice drained water is poured
till the brim of the pot
the firewood flames with a glow
the milk and water starts t boil
with the acceleration of heat.
The milk boils over slowly and steadily
being a sign of prosperity
the whole family stand there with a wait
pleased to see the milk boil with a force
rice is added in small measures
followed by jaggery, ghee and coconut flakes
along with cashew and raisins .
That being the pass over
the family then gathers around again
prays to the almighty with a fervour
a request is put forward earnestly
as to have continuous prosperity
all throughout the year and in future
so much so the festival passes peacefully.
Meenas Poems 