Pongal 2021: Ways in which COVID-19 pandemic has affected the festival

Pongal, welcomed with traditional festivities in Tamil Nadu
and neighbouring Puducherry, will be celebrated from January 13 to January 16
in 2021. The main day of festivities, however, is January 14. Pongal
corresponds with the Makar Sankranti, celebrated in other regions in the
country, with both following the same pattern of the Sun migrating from the
southern to the northern hemisphere.

The occasion essentially revolves around crop, including
thanking divinity for a good harvest.

Also read: Here’s how Pongal is celebrated across different Indian states

The festival marked by four of its days – namely, Bhogi
Pandigai, Thai Pongal (the main day), Mattu Pongal, and lastly, Kaanum Pongal –
symbolises prosperity and happiness.

The celebrations in 2021, however, look to be different.

On December 23, 2020 the AIADMK-led Tamil Nadu Government permitted
Jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming event, to be held during Pongal, with the
announcement further stating that the event would have to be accompanied by all
COVID-19 guidelines in place.

Additionally, it was intimated that only 150 individuals
would be able to participate in the traditional bull races after getting tested
as negative for coronavirus.

Also read: Here is how you can make Pongal, the dish

On January 12, the government announced that the public
would not be getting access to beaches across the state, as well as certain
tourist spots in the district of Chengalpattu, the tourist attraction of
Mamallapuram, and the Guindy National Park located in the state’s capital,
Chennai, between January 15 and January 17.

The administration further reiterated the usage of masks in public
spaces as well as ensuring that physical distancing is maintained, alongside
compliance to guidelines issued earlier.