Chennai, 12th Jan. 2023
Excitement and mirth was around as students of Dr. MGR Janaki College of Arts and Science for Women in traditional attire celebrated Pongal in the institution’s campus today (12th Jan 2023). It was amazing to watch the campus bustling with activities happen in a village setting recreated specially for the occasion.
Over 4000 students wearing traditional Half Sari / Silk Sari added perfect color to the celebrations. Kolaattam, Kummiyattam, Garagattam and Oyilaatam folk dances performed by students made onlookers tap their feet to the beat. Students also enjoyed the traditional games like Goli, Gilli, Pamabaram, Oriyadi and also participated eagerly in cultural based Fancy Dress Competition.
There were shops entirely set up and managed by students. They played vendors and sold Bangles & Balloons, Sugarcane Juice, Butter Milk, Tender Coconuts and Cotton Candy and more. Scenes of Parrot fortune-telling, porridge vending, Bhajji and Sundal stalls brought alive the beauty of village sandhai.
Students’ harmonic chorus of ‘Pongalo… Pongal’ ripped the air when the Pongal came to a boil, the main dish offered to god as thanksgiving for good crop and harvest. With this the festivity came to a close.
“In this fast-changing world, it is important for us to preserve our tradition and values. Celebrations like this will help younger generation realize the richness of our culture and pass it on to the next generation. Towards this effect, our college is regularly organizing culturally rich events,” said Dr. R. Manimekalai, Principal, Dr. MGR Janaki College of Arts and Science for Women.
