Spend festive weekend in the countryside

There are a lot of festivities, rituals and fun associated with Pongal in the countryside. As this year, the festival falls over a long weekend, it is a great idea to travel to the countryside and witness the celebrations up close. Far away from the hustle and bustle of city life, DT Next suggests a few places you can spend your long festive weekend with family and enjoy Pongal the authentic way.

Thanjavur brings a traditional old world charm to the festival which is hard to find in any other city of Tamil Nadu. During the day of Maatu Pongal, farmers line up their cows at the Thanjavur Periya Kovil (Brihadeeshwara Temple) and offer prayers to Lord Shiva for a prosperous beginning. The Nandhi in the temple is also worshipped and is also a huge attraction for tourists. Apart from the temple, Saraboji Mahal and Mani Mandapam are the other places to visit in the town.

Located in the district of Mayiladuthurai along the Cauvery River, here mainly farmers celebrate Pongal with great pomp and show. The village agaraharams look fresh and decorated with kolams and flowers. In some homes pand hals outside homes and lights make Pongal a joy to witness. The village market offer special discounts on various goods! Make it a point to visit Thirunallaaru Sani Bhagavan temple and temples around Kumabakkonam.

Situated 310 kilometers from Chennai and 44 kms from Thanjavur, Ariyalur is a great place to observe the people dressed in their new clothes for Pongal. But what is most unique about celebrating the festival is the traditional Vishnu and Markandeya Dharisanam at the Gangai Konda Chozhapuram’s Brihadeeshwara Temple, which is named in World Heritage list next to the Thanjavur Temple. Other activities include the Pongal preparations and worship of cows across four days.