Pongal/Tamil harvest festival Pongal festival, the Chettiar way — part 3 Finally, it is Pongal, and I can't wait to see the preparations in the house. The women unleash their creativity by adorning the earthen and bronze vessels. The kolam stands out once the rice paste has dried, and is ready to welcome the celebration with an auspicious Ganesha portrait.
Chettiar/Tamil community Nadu veetu kolam, the Chettiar way — part 2 In the case of Chettiar, it is as if the only way to narrate their globe-trotting lifestyle and mindset had been through constructing houses like fortresses to safeguard the family wealth. No wonder that the kolam symbolizes the house.
Chettiar/Tamil community The palatial homes of Chettiar — part 1 In order to apprehend the Chettiar or Nagarathar kolam, one has to fully grasp the vision and values of the community. As we know, they were merchants, bankers and money lenders. Over the centuries, their community flourished and spread across the world.
