Pongalo Pongal

Right from school, Pongal celebrations always start with Bhogi, even now when Bhogi is no longer a declared holiday.We light up Bhogi fire as early as possible.This time we were up at five-ish and we had hoarded a lot of old things to burn (to my delight).The fire was alight for a long time and by the time it was out, the sun had risen.

it was mixed feelings that the Pongal day fell on a Saturday and holiday was clubbed into the weekend off days...This is our Pongal kolam for this year. For many years we used to meticulously plan the kolam the previous day but this year,mom just winged it.. and it turned out so pretty.

One of the additional joys this year is that we grew our own Sugarcanes. We had three canes cut fresh from the garden in the early hours of Pongal day. I was one proud gardener that day. It was a real feat to maintain the plant for the past 12 months :).

We grew our turmeric as well just like last year.

Home grown turmeric and sugarcane all decked up as the main decoration..

As I said we make Pongal the old school, traditional way. First a layer of sand is laid and a small kolam put over it..

then the earthen stoves kept over it, one for venpongal and one for sarkkarai pongal.The kolam,stove and the pots are decorated with Manjal and Kunkumam as they mark auspiciousness

It addition,turmeric stumps tied around the bronze pots' neck and then kept on the earthen stove

Prayers offered before lighting the camphor under the wooden sticks

with five years of practice,we had no trouble this year to get a glorious fire going

soon the water boiled and it was time to add the rice

Now is the time we start shouting 'Pongalo Pongal'.This is the moment that defines the entire celebration.This is the moment to pray to god that our life and the land flourishes just like this pongal pot.

A mere 20 minutes work after, Pongal is ready, to be served

Offering the venpongal and sarkkarai pongal to God, along with few harvests from the garden before we indulge in.

The rest of the day is reserved for family fun,occasional outings and roaming around the city.We do used to go to a local talent show that happens every Pongal day organized by the youth welfare associations but it did not happen this year,maybe due to the recent non-sensical DeMo that happened,who knows,but it was very sorely missed.

Veg garden - a quick update

Let me start this new year by posting some bountiful harvests from the garden.The legumes are doing good this year too and we are having a steady supply of broad and runner beans,most times a single harvest amounting to two kilograms on an average.

 The plants are laden with flowers and fruits..

The winter months are a great time for vegetable gardening and we are now reaping the fruits of our labor.We are stepping into the third year of organic gardening and there are lots growing-tomatoes,brinjal,pumpkin and some more gourds- but they are yet to produce fruits. Fingers crossed and waiting.