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Join me as I share stories of experiencing this French delight during Pongal!
Who doesn’t adore the pomp and grandeur of the infamous French capital of ndia- Puducherry, now termed as a Union Territory justifying the uniqueness of this place. As a first-time traveller, I was filled with awe as I stepped into this gorgeous UT during the vibrant festival of Pongal. The tapestry of colours and rituals made me feel like I had entered a portal to a world steeped in tradition and cultural richness.
The air was charged was excitement, as the city came alive with an infectious energy and the aromatic whiffs of delicious delicacies being prepared in every corner. I was welcomed with the warmth of the local’s hospitality, as they invited me to partake in their joyous celebrations. Everywhere I looked, I witnessed age-old charms and rituals that beautifully blended with the modern-day hippie culture, offering a unique experience that completely resonated with the soul of Puducherry.
Pongal is usually celebrated between 15th to 18th January every year and the first day of the festival is known as Bhogi day. I stayed with a local family for three days at this beautiful place embellished with an exuberant display of colours and festive fervour. My day began with a warm welcome by the locals, alongside a traditionally decorated house, adorned further with floral arrangements. Appayi (grandmother of the house) interested me with quirky anecdotes from her younger days as she also explained to me the cultural significance of this festival.
"This pattern you see right here! This is called Kolum and is a common in most households”, she exclaimed as she pointed towards one piece of floor decoration in this house. Later in the day, she took me to the cultural centre, where I adored the traditional music, and folk dances perfectly complementing the vibrant atmosphere. In the evening, as I strolled alongside the fresh garden plants, the aroma of Pongal dishes filled the air, as Appayi invited me to relish a delectable feast of Sakkarai Pongal (sweet rice dish) and a couple of other savoury delights that offered a true taste of the festival’s culinary heritage.
The second day of the Pongal festival is known as Surya Day in Puducherry as the day begins with worshipping the Sun God for bestowing his abundance on us. This is followed by preparing appetizing delicacies and visiting your near and dear ones. Interestingly, I started my day with a visit to the revered Aurobindo Ashram, as I joined others in giving sun salutations before I sat in a state of dhyaan (meditation) to set a perfect tone for my day. The vibrations of the place provided a tranquil contrast to the hustle and bustle of the festivities outside. I also engaged in a guided tour that unveiled the ashram’s history and the teaching of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother.
Post lunch, I leisurely explored the French headquarters, an evidence of the city’s colonial heritage, where festive adornments embellished the elegant architecture. As dusk approached, the streets were filled with life, as I experienced an enthralling cultural showcase. Amongst other things, I experienced classical dances, musical recitals, and theatrics performances, all providing an immersive glimpse into Puducherry’s artistic legacy.
I spent the third day, venturing beyond the city’s bustle, as the local family I was staying with took me for a countryside excursion. As I meandered through rural Puducherry, I witnessed age-old customs and rituals, partaking in traditional games and observing the intricate preparation of Pongal dishes in earthen pots over open fires. I sat with locals and ate with them, as they shared their own stories, stories of mother and children, and stories of the rich cultural history of Puducherry immigrants.
I also participated in ‘Kolattam’ and ‘Uri Adithal’- traditional folk dances of Puducherry, more so celebrated during the festival of Pongal. The jovial spirit of the villagers is contagious, as they eagerly involved me in their smaller customs, right from applying turmeric on cattle, to adorning the doorstep of each house with mango leaves. What was even more interesting was the significance behind a few of these rituals, some symbolized prosperity and others were grandmother secrets of warding off evil spirits.
As the sun set that evening, we all gathered under the open sky, sharing the deliciously prepared meals, right from the popular Crab Masala Fry to the lesser known Pondy Moussaka, a combination of fried eggplants and potatoes. The communal feast brought everyone together, offering an array of traditional dishes bursting with flavours, highlighting the very essence of this harvest festival.
As the trip ended, I shared a delightful farewell lunch with my newfound friends and fellow travellers, reminiscing over the captivating experiences and cultural splendour encountered during the enriching journey through Puducherry’s Pongal festivities.
Travelling to Puducherry during Pongal can be quite an experience! However, last-minute tickets and accommodation bookings could cost a fortune and hence, it’s essential to plan well in advance. Here are some of travel options for you to plan your trip in advance:
By air: The nearest airport to Puducherry is the Chennai International Airport (MAA). You can book a flight to Chennai and then take a taxi or bus to Puducherry. It’s about a 3–4-hour journey by road.
By train/bus: There are frequent trains connecting Chennai to Puducherry but the most common one is the Chennai Central. Buses are available from nearby cities like Chennai, Bangalore and Trichy. It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during festive seasons.
You can book your travel tickets through the Adani One portal for best deals and offers. Lastly, ensure to check for local guidelines or any specific restrictions due to the festival period. Happy travelling!
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