CHENNAI: Suburban residents are of the opinion that Pongal celebrations have lost their charm in recent years and the enthusiasm with which it was celebrated earlier, is now on the decline.
“Just about five years ago, I remember buying ‘Bhogi melam’ and going out with my friends and using it on the day of Bhogi. I don’t see any of the present-day children interested in such activities,” said Karthik, a resident of Indra Nagar, Selaiyur. Now, things have changed drastically and people seem to celebrate in a subtle manner, with a very few continuing to hold on to traditional ways.
“Earlier, the festival was important for everyone as there were farmlands. The celebrations involved the people and they continue to be close to my heart. But now, residents seem to confine themselves to their homes and there is no sign of any festivity. The “Pongal-O-Pongal” chant is hardly heard”, Karthik added. He also blames the increase in entertainment avenues, as one of the reasons for this change.
“There are movies releasing during the festival season and there is so much hype and buzz created around them, that people choose to watch them, instead of actually celebrating the day. If the release of these movies is postponed, it may actually make locals think of being more involved in the festival”, Karthik said.
Echoing Karthik’s view was Kanaga, who once owned cattle.
“For us, Maatu Pongal was very special. Our bulls were used to plough the farmland and cow milk was sold. Now, farmlands have disappeared and people have started buying processed milk, forcing us to sell our cows,” she said.
“We used to decorate the cows on the said day, paint their horns, tie balloons, take them for a walk in the neighbourhood with other cattle- owners. Those were good old times which will never return,” she sighed.
“We should realise that we are slowly moving towards a modern society, and are inadvertently forgetting our tradition and losing our relationship with nature. I hope we understand this before it is too late”, she said.