South India celebrated Pongal a few weeks ago. It's a time of holidays and traditions marking the winter harvest. The chanting at the shrines and temples pervade the neighborhoods and kollams (or rangolis) festoon the walkways in front of homes. These intricate designs are done by hand early in the morning, in powdered rice and vegetable colors.
The first day of Pongal includes blessing the working animals: oxen, cows, bullocks. Their horms are painted in bright colors and flower garlands are hung around their necks. The next day, the children are celebrated with special treats. And the third day is a family day of picnics, special food and liquid as well as fervent spirits. The crowds were so dense in Besant Nagar and the beach that we didn't venture in that direction. --- Mom
