Rotaract Club of Wellawatte is very famous for its one of a kind signature project under the Club Service Avenue “Wella Pongal” which brings everyone together to experience the traditional Thai Pongal festival which is celebrated to pay gratitude to the nature and the cattle for a good harvest. “Wella Pongal”, an Annual Project of the Rotaract Club of Wellawatte this time marked its 7th consecutive year of celebration in a unique change from the monotonous routine.
Wella Pongal 2020 Edition was organized with the aim of spreading the true spirit of peace and prosperity. Hence, the celebration was held at Sri Bodhirukkaramaya Buddhist Temple in Wellawatte on the Thai Pongal day 15th January. The highlight of the event was when all four religious leaders commemorated the event it projected the respect and unity we had as a country. Never would we fail to mention that this project was chaired by our very own International Services Director Rtr. Hareendhar Chandran and co-chaired by our member Rtr. Azam Khan.
Preparations began one week prior where the project chair shared the list of items required and the members volunteered to bring them. We also made a teaser which is a recap of the previous pongal celebrations created by our very own Prospective Member Manoj.
On the 14th night we had the experience of wandering around the busy streets of Pettah trying to buy Sugar Canes, Thoranam (hanging decorations) and Banana Leaves. Whilst on the same day night our members were present at the temple tying the banana tree and decorating the respective place.
On 15th morning all our members were present by 7a.m. in their best traditional ethnic wear to add color to the event. Our very own prospective members Sangeevan and Dhatchaiyani added more color to the event by drawing the Kolam with colored rice (a ritualistic art form) which is a symbol of auspiciousness and divinity.
At 8 a.m. all the religious leaders, our Parent Rotary members, members of the club, other Rotaractors and the special invitees arrived. The religious observances started and all the religious leaders highlighted the importance of such cultural collaborative initiative which is a stepping stone to advance peace through which we can strengthen ourselves and our communities
Then began the making of the traditional Pongal by placing the clay pot filled with water and milk on the firewood while the milk started to boil and spill over (our boys lighted crackers), the religious leaders together added Rice showing the togetherness and the strength of the communities. The Pongal was prepared by our very own members by adding varying ingredients like milk, ghee, jaggery, cashew nuts, plums, cardamom powder and cloves were added for the flavoring. Oh wait! If you did guess us taking a sneak peek into YOUTUBE, let me stop you there! No ways! The recipe was given by our very own President Rtr. Ruban’s mother.
Once the Pongal was done, it was placed on a banana leaf towards the direction of the rising Sun. After a couple of minutes together with our very own IPP Rtr. Kayal,Prospective Member Sangeevan sang ‘Thevaram’ (a devotional poetry) as a symbol of thanksgiving. Thereafter, Pongal and Chickpea was served to all the invitees who were present.
Afterwards began the most exciting segment where we had some fun games such as Lime in the Spoon, Pongal eating competition and the Breaking of Sugar Cane. Overall it was a fun filled day.
Peace enriches our communities and individual lives, as it directs us to embrace diversity and support one another to the fullest extent possible. Through events of this caliber we as a team provided a cornerstone for attaining a sustainable, vibrant and fulfilling community life by promoting Peace and Harmony among the various communities.
Let’s see what our participants have got to comment about Wella Pongal 2020 Edition
