Witness social harmony in less than 120 days from now
Every year, the Pongal celebrations ( also called Sankaranthi) in Tamil Nadu, extends to one full week and the taming of the bull, called Jallikattu in Tamil, is part of the celebrations. A few lives may even be lost, but the huge crowds that flock to witness this game of strength of men, near Madurai runs into several thousands.There are sponsorship's for free food just about everywhere and the poor are fed at so many places. The special pooja that is conducted at all temples goes along with feeding of the poor.
The social harmony extends to all religions and everyone is equal. There is no ill feeling of any kind anywhere. There are thousands of foreigners, particularly from the UK and USA, who flock to Madurai and other places in South Tamil Nadu, and they are treated so well. They are given the dhotis and the saris to wear.
This year, the rains have been much more than normal and there is prosperity all around. The prices of all vegetables is under control now and it is expected that with increase in production, the prices may fall even lower. Tomato, for example, retails at just Rs.20 a kg in most parts of Tamil Nadu, down from the highest of Rs.200 some months ago.
Welcome to Tamil Nadu, during the festival season of Pongal. However, here is an advance warning. Those travelling from other parts of the country need to book their tickets right now. The day travel by buses would be far more easier, as there are a massive number of Government buses. For example, one day prior to Pongal, it is wise to travel to Villupuram by one bus and take another to Tiruchi. The third from Tiruchirapalli to Madurai would depart within a few minutes. If this is not okay, one has to book by the day trains from Chennai to Madurai, well in advance. Right now. Pongal is on 14th of Jan 2023. The travel has to be done on the 13th. Regarding the night trains, the advance booking for all trains were over in less than ten minutes. This is the situation as of now.
