78th week of Sailathil Saturday Sangamam was celebrated yesterday (13/1/24). Around 104 elders gathered and celebrated Pongal.

Group of elders as per their age – 70 and above, 66-70, 61-65 and 60 and below assembled together and planned their activities. 70 Year’s of Age & above took centre place (in front of Sree Soundarya Ganapathi Temple) and started Rangoli.

Age group 66-70 occupied Happy Kitchen, Age group 61-65 in front of Smt. Seethalakshmi building and 60 &below at the entrance all enjoyed making Rangoli.  Delicious traditional Pongal, Sakarapongal and Pongal village Kuzhambu were prepared and served.  Sh Kannan Bhattar performed puja.  Elders prayed for goodness of all and healthy life. They also thanked Surya Bhagwan and farmers for cultivating and growing rice and other eatables.  Elders blessed others and echoed Pongal O Pongal.

To make the event more memorable and inclusive Smt Pushpa Sankararaman from Amar Seva Sangam and Sh. Balamurugan from Avvai Ashram Gandhigram joined and enjoyed with elders. 

With a pleasant surprise Smt Gomathi Thirunavukkarasu from V K Puram joined and delivered a great speech on மார்கழி மாதம்கொண்டாடப்படுவதற்கான காரணம் என்ன… மார்கழியின் சிறப்புகள் என்ன?  மாதங்களில் சிறந்த மாதமான மார்கழியாய் நான் இருப்பேன் என கிருஷ்ணர் அவதரித்து கூறியதாலோ என்னவோ இம்மாதம் அத்துணை போற்றுதலுக்கும் உரித்தான மாதமாய் விளங்குகிறது. தனுர் மாதம் எனவும் குறிப்பிடப்படும் மார்கழி மாதம் சிவனுக்கும், விஷ்ணுவுக்கும் உகந்த மாதம் ஆக கருதப்படுகிறது. Shr also added about Sree Andal and her Thirupavai, Sri Vaikunta Ekadesi, Thiruvathirai and Hanumath Jayanthi. She also talked about the importance of giving and caring others.

Elders participated in games – Uriyadi, Tug of war, bite the Murukku. Around 2.00 pm lunch was served.  Post lunch, elders started Pattu Ku Pattu (Antakshari). Elders divided by gender and eagerly participated with old but gold songs.

Vama wishes Happy Pongal to all.