Makara Sankranti/Poush Sankranti

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.

Pongal/Tamil harvest festival

Kolam to celebrate Mattu Pongal — part 3

On Mattu Pongal day, the farmers buy their cows new bright halters, bells to adorn their hooves, brass cap horn ornaments, wreaths of fresh flowers, pom-pom garlands and multi-coloured beads to adorn their neck. They decorated the cow's coat in variations according to districts.

Pongal/Tamil harvest festival

Kolam to celebrate Surya Pongal — part 2

The pot is a symbol of abundance and a recurring theme as well in the kolam designs during pongal. It is either shown with rice balls that pile up on top of each other or with milk froth foaming out of the mouth, like the overflowing milk rice preparation.

Pongal/Tamil harvest festival

Kolam to celebrate Pongal — part 1

The month of Thai starts with the most celebrated and joyful harvest festival called Pongal. The kolam extend beyond the intimacy of the homes, spreading their lines and dots into public space. It is women who weave together the objects of a bountiful period on white or coloured canvasses.

Makara Sankranti/Poush Sankranti

Bengal alpona, "Poush Sankranti in the villages"— part 5

Alpona adorn the courtyards of houses. A closer look reveals houses, stables or kitchens. Sometimes with pictograms of humans or animals inside, and offerings of chillies, onions, pea pods, different types of seeds meant for the kitchen, and grass.

Makara Sankranti/Poush Sankranti

Bengal alpona, "Poush Sankranti at Sumitra’s home" — part 4

Drawings on the walls include agricultural tools, kitchen utensils, lotuses, fish, birds, abstract human figures, divine feet, mangoes, betel leaves, a palanquin, a pot of vermilion, arm ornaments and circular granaries.

Brata/rituals

Bengal alpona, "At Sumitra’s home"— part 3

In the centre of the courtyard, wrapped in a white shawl, Sumitra paints with a confident hand on the beaten earth. She guides the milky substance between her fingers and invokes the presence of Goddess Lakshmi by repeating her footprints like an incantation.

Goddess Durga

Bengal alpona, "Meeting with Kolkata" — part 2

Then on to Kumartuli, another mythical place in Kolkata. It is here that potters and sculptors make idols of the goddess Durga, which, once painted and dressed, are carried in procession before disappearing into the river.