Highlights Bonfires marking 'Bhogi' on Chennai streets from early morning No flight take-offs and landings at Chennai airport since 3:30 am With poor air quaility, runway visibility dipped to 50 metres: official
Pongal 2018: People set bonfires on Chennai streets from as early as 4 am.
Flight operations in Chennai were suspended for at least five hours this morning due to thick smog and poor visibility on the runway as Tamil Nadu celebrates the beginning of Pongal festivities with 'Bhogi'. The celebrations started this morning with people setting bonfires on the streets with agricultural and household waste. The Air Quality Index in several parts of the city was in the "hazardous" category.At least ten Chennai-bound flights were diverted and an equal number of flights taking off from the city have been delayed. Flight operations have resumed. A senior officer at the airport said earlier this morning, "The visibility has dipped to 50 metres and since 3:30 am we have no flight activity."Bonfires made using mats, paper, clothes and cardboard boxes dotted the streets of Chennai from as early as four in the morning. T Saravanan, whose family set fire to their old household items in front of their home in Thiruvanmiyur area and danced to drumbeats said 'Bhogi' is an important part of the Tamil culture. "We know it pollutes the air so we avoid (burning) plastics and tyre," he said.Not far away, another Chennai resident believes burning old items brings good luck. "Bhogi burning purifies the air," P Karuppan said. Over the last ten years, the pollution control board in Tamil Nadu has been raising awareness ahead of Pongal, asking people and children in particular to stop burning materials. They also award youngsters who spread the message. A senior officer said, "Bhogi is still a challenge as it's seen as part of a festival. We've brought down burning of tyres and plastics but a lot of awareness still need to be raised."Bharat Jain, whose flight to Mumbai has been delayed said, "It's in a mess. I have an important business meet in Mumbai. All would get off track."
The peppery Pongal makes for one of the most popular Pongal delicacies The peppery Pongal makes for one of the most popular Pongal delicacies
Made of green gram, rice and jaggery, this is a rich and wholesome dessert
Photo Credit: www.instagram.com/elephantsncoconuttrees
Its characteristic round-coiled shape and crunchy goodness makes it an all-time favourite
Photo Credit: Instagram/ArchanasKitchen
Vada with sambhaar or chutney is always a hit with South Indian food lovers.
This authentic recipe comes wrapped with subtle yet spellbinding flavours
Pongal is right round the corner and almost all of South India is gearing to ring in the festival with much fervour and enthusiasm. Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated to mark sun's transition towards north (Uttarayan). Celebrated in the auspicious month of Thai (10th month of Tamil calendar), Pongal is a three day festival. Thai Pongal which would be celebrated on the 15th of January 2018, is one of the most significant festivals for Tamilans. On this day, people wake up early in the morning and worship the sun (Surya), after this they carry out traditional Pongal rituals like cooking milk and fresh rice in an earthen decorated vessel until it overflows . This Pongal is then distributed amongst participants who relish the delight with all heart. Like any festival in India, Pongal too is incomplete without its extensive range of traditional delicacies. Here are 5 popular Pongal recipes you must try this time.The light, savoury and peppery Pongal also makes for one of the most popular Pongal delicacies. Served piping hot, Ven Pongal goes well with both sambhar and chutney. Made of rice mixed with moong daal, ghee, cashew nuts, raisins and mild spices, the flavoursome Pongal delicacy is also one of the most loved breakfasts across South India.(Also Read: Pongal 2018: Significance of Ven Pongal and How to Make it The number and variety of Pongal dishes that exists in total is truly mind boggling. Each boasting of a distinct taste and flavour. Made of green gram, rice and jaggery, this rich and wholesome dessert is one Pongal staple you must try out this festive occasion.The delicious and wholesome snack made with urad dal is one crackling treat served as part of Pongal feasting. Its characteristic round-coiled shape and crunchy goodness makes it an all-time favourite evening snack too. Try making the lovely snack in the comforts of your kitchen with this wonderful recipe.Vada with sambhaar or chutney is always a hit with South Indian food lovers. But it becomes even more special when it is served with the many sweet and savoury Pongal preparations on the traditional Pongal spread. This delectable vadai recipe is easy-to-prepare and oh-so-delightful each time.(Also Read: Vadas of India: 10 Different Types of Vadas From Across India You Must try A round up of traditional recipes and no mention of Payasam? No. It can't happen. Won't happen. Loaded with easily available ingredients, this authentic recipe comes wrapped with subtle yet spellbinding flavours.Here's wishing you all a Happy Pongal 2018!
Among all the festivals celebrated in India, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, like Lohri in Punjab and Makar Sankranti in Bihar and Jharkhand, is one of the most famous harvest festivals. The 4-day festival, celebrated across the globe wherever there is an Indian diaspora, starts on January 14 this year. It is also the name of a dish devotees prepare as part of their celebrations.
Pongal celebrations go back around 2,000 years and records suggest it was also celebrated during the time of the Chola Empire (9th-13th century). The first first harvest festival of the year, it is also referred to as Thai Pongal: Since it falls during the Tamil month of Thai which is when the sun travels northward towards the equinox, marking the beginning of summer months.
Indian traditional kolam or rangoli is drawn using white colored rice during Pongal. (Shutterstock)
On this day, devotees thank the sun god for their crop, and pray for a bumper harvest the next year. Tamil Nadu is a rice growing state, and Pongal’s translation means ‘boiling over.’ On the day of the festival, rice is boiled and given as an offering to the sun god. On the day of the festival, Tamilians prepare a special dish with the same name — it is sweet and prepared by boiling rice and lentils. After being offered to the sun god, all the family members enjoy the dish.
The festival lasts for 4 days and there are separate rituals for each day. On the first day, prayers are offered to the rain god and some cases people also light a bonfire and put items into it. This happens during the evening and there is also song and dance around the bonfire. The second day comprises of prayers to the sun god. Rice is boiled in an earthen pot and people dress in the traditional attire. On the third day, there is cow worship during which people put garlands on cows and take blessings from them.
On the day of the festival, rice is boiled and given as an offering to the sun god. (Shutterstock)
The last day is dedicated to the welfare of the home and the rituals which are performed by the women in the family. A turmeric leaf is washed and put on the ground after which rice and other eatables are placed on it. Women perform an aarti using turmeric water and pray for the prosperity of their brothers and husbands.
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