Passion, Teamwork And Transformation - Pongal celebration

Pongal a blend of Rich in traditions and customs; a festival for farmers; a celebration of a golden harvest; an expression of gratitude to Sun god is prominently known as Thai Pongal. The Pongal is a 4 day long harvest festival which is also the biggest festival celebrated in Tamilnadu,

Pongal commemorates the passing of the winter solstice and the beginning of the harvest season. The first day of the festival is known as “Bhogi” The second day is known as Thai Pongal, the third day “Mattu Pongal” and the fourth-day 'Kaanum Pongal'

In making this Pongal 2021 –a remarkable post somber moods from Covid-19.A bevy of youngsters belonging from various youth voluntary organization joined together and organized an event called ‘’UTSAVA2021’’- A day long celebration with fisherman families living in the backwater of Pulicat lake (PAZHAVERKADU)in the district of Thirvallur,Tamilnadu on 10th Januray,2021.

Due to uncertainty of employment these families live with extreme poverty, overcrowding, poor water and sanitation, substandard housing, limited access to basic health and education services, and other hardships. With antennas shining bright in a row atop huts covered with used polythene and discolored banners, the families of fishermen have been living like this for ages.

Blonded hair, skinny features and innocent smiles. Children growing up in slums experience a childhood that often defies the imagination of both the ‘innocent childhood’ proponents and the ‘universal childhood’ advocates. But that does not mean that these children have no childhood, only a different kind of childhood that sees them playing on rough, uneven ground, taking on multiple roles in everyday life, and sharing responsibilities with adults in domestic and public spaces in the community. However these kids definitely will have better future when the right hand directs them.

In an effort to make these kids life better. Integrity People NGO Jai organized a day long Pongal celebration just to make these kids happy. Various youngsters from different NGOs like Food for All Chennai, Vivekananda Youth Club, HUT, and Oxygen over 70 volunteers worked towards this mission for 150+ families residing there.

The event started with Rangoli kolam along with small games for kids, continued with traditional art performances like Silambam and Parai. The team Utsava 2021 cooked lunch and served the fisherman families followed by warm up sessions of various dance and singing performances and other engaging activities. The event ends by gift session to the children belong to the families. Event was supported by local authorities and felicitated by social activist by Mr.Ashok & Ms.Suganya Challenge Rehab Centre Founder

Post commemoration of the event Food for All Chennai has planned for extra-curriculum activities for the children in a vision towards building a better India 2030.

Interested people can send their resume and work samples for the same.

For further information contact Team FFAC-9551412420/9790750667