In preparation for Pongal, Udumalai's traditional clay pot production intensifies, with calls for government support to revive traditional practices.
Tirupur: As Pongal, the traditional Tamil harvest festival approaches, the villages of Pallapalayam, Poolavadi, Pookulam near Udumalai in Tirupur district are bustling with intensified production of clay pots, essential for the festive rituals.
Celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month 'Thai', Pongal involves worshipping cattle and the Sun God by cooking Pongal (a sweet dish) in new clay pots. According to local potter Kuppusamy, the practice of cooking Pongal in new clay pots dates back generations.
However, this tradition is fading as more people use pressure cookers. To bolster their livelihood and preserve tradition, potters urge government initiatives for public awareness and distribution of clay pots as part of the Pongal gift package in ration shops. They emphasize the health benefits of cooking in clay pots. Currently, half-kilo capacity pots are sold for Rs. 100 and one-kilo capacity pots for Rs. 150.
Celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month 'Thai', Pongal involves worshipping cattle and the Sun God by cooking Pongal (a sweet dish) in new clay pots. According to local potter Kuppusamy, the practice of cooking Pongal in new clay pots dates back generations.
However, this tradition is fading as more people use pressure cookers. To bolster their livelihood and preserve tradition, potters urge government initiatives for public awareness and distribution of clay pots as part of the Pongal gift package in ration shops. They emphasize the health benefits of cooking in clay pots. Currently, half-kilo capacity pots are sold for Rs. 100 and one-kilo capacity pots for Rs. 150.