One man’s effort made nearly one lakh people happy during Pongal festival at Sivan Park, K K Nagar. The extraordinary lightings and cultural programmes drew people not only from the neighbourhood, but also from other parts of the city.
For the eighth consecutive year, former Councillor (Ward 131) M Gunasekaran, with support from Tamilnadu Senior Citizens Association and Sivan Park Walkers Association, pulled off a spectacular show from 14 to 17 January.
Speaking to News Today, Gunasekaran said, “Nearly one lakh people visited the park. On Thursday alone, over 30,000 people thronged the place, according to police reports.”
Asked about what made him organise such a big event, he said, “It is a big opportunity for me to make people feel happy, that too those from lower rungs of society, who need not spend to witness such a grand show.”
“During the DMK rule, Chennai Sangamam was held at Sivan Park as part of Pongal festival, where folk artistes performed. In 2012, when I was Councillor during the AIADMK rule, I wanted the festival to look grander. So, the entire park was decked up and cultural programmes conducted. The show continues.”
“This year, we wanted to make the festival brighter. Using nearly 2.50 lakh LED serial bulbs, we decked up entire Sivan Park. Also, illuminated digital banners with Pongal festival scenes were kept at various places,” he said.
A foreigner who was also seen enjoying the atmosphere on Maatu Pongal day. “Shaimerdenova from Almaty City, Kazakhstan, was in Marina. She came to know about Pongal celebration at Sivan Park by word of mouth and came here in the evening. She was so happy to see our tradition and people enjoying it,” he said.
Asked about crowd management, the former Councillor said, “I should thank the Almighty – Sivan in the park. Because of His presence, no untoward incidents took place all these years. The police gave adequate protection and the entire park was under CCTV cover. I also have a team – Star Groups – where there are 32 members. Armed with walki-talkies, they mingled with the crowds.”
Conducting such events needs huge investments. For Gunasekaran, family, friends and well-wishers have been extending financial support over the years.
The officials have also been good, he said, “We used to pay Rs 3,000 rent per day to Sivan Park during Pongal festival. Seeing the huge crowd it draws and the well-organised show, the officials waived the rent this time,” he said.
The four-day festival saw children enjoying it the most, as a special stage was set up for them to dance. Also, visitors were seen taking selfies in the backdrop of thennai olai thoranam. The cultural programmes were a big draw.
Virugambakkam MLA V N Ravi, South Chennai MP, Dr J Jayavaradhan, were among those who took part in the festival. Gunasekaran resides at No. 42/16, Fifth Street, Vijayaragavapuram, Saligramam. He can be reached at 99417 91087.