Pongal Naal-vazhthukkal
The four days of Pongal by Abhirami Rao
Bhogi
The fires are lit with intention.
With a feast in preparation and
the aroma of tumeric in the air,
an ode to abundance harmonizes
into a letter of gratitude:
We pray with thanks to the rains,
that quench the thirst of the land
and the denizens of the fields.
May this Bhogi be the guest
whose visit bears one joy,
the warmth of abundance,
and a farewell for their sorrows.
***
Thai Pongal
Stir a little more,
It begins to bubble and
dance its way to the surface.
All around excitement bubbles.
As it boils over, cheers ensue,
"Pongal-o-Pongal!"
May time and fortune bless one
as the Pongal boils over;
A flourish of sweetness and
fulfillment on one's plate.
***
Maatu Pongal
Refocus to the companion of harvests,
decked with flower garlands,
colourful beads and tinkling bells,
today's the day for our fellow beings.
***
Kanu Pongal
Sunlight filters through
a January morning,
sparrows sit beside the window
and chirp their chords.
let this day be spent with family,
and well wishes for our siblings;
may we hum a collective spirit for
one another as a ubiquity of kuruvis.
***
Abhirami Rao is a writer and performer who finds comfort in pretty verses, chai, and all things queer.
Photographs by Padma Murughappun (1 and 4), Abhirami Rao (2)
Collective Ideation by The Desk and Abhirami Rao, Advaith Jaikumar, Keerthana Senthil Kumar, Madappa PS, Padma Murughappun.