Dr. Gayathri Shankar Narayan, a resident of CIT Colony, Mylapore and a scholar of kolams, has been drawing theme kolams through margazhi.
Today, January 16, she chose to follow a tradition of the Tirunelveli region; below is a note she shared with Mylapore Times >>
In Tirunelveli, the day after Pongal is celebrated as Kanu Pongal. We draw the traditional Manjanathi Kolam at our doorstep as a symbol of prosperity and a tribute to Nature.
We thank the rivers, streams, and water bodies. This ritual reminds us that when water flows freely, our farms and lives thrive.
Sisters pray for their brothers and family members to stay united and strong.
Women and girls receive a turmeric tilak and blessings for a happy life from the elders women of the house / village.
On turmeric leaves, we offer rows of sweet pongal, yellow rice, and curd rice to the crows, chanting “Kanu Pidi Vaithen, Kakkai Pidi Vaithen.” It is a beautiful lesson in compassion for all living beings.
After the prayers, we use the blessed turmeric for a ritual bath before starting our daily chores.
The celebration goes on with the family partaking of a lunch featuring variety rice (chitrannams).
