Around 900 family members of Nagarathars, a prominent community in these parts, congregated here and celebrated ‘Sevvai Pongal,’ usually organised on the first Tuesday of Tamil month ‘Thai.’
Though many have migrated and settled down in different parts of the country — even outside India, they converged to observe the nearly century-old ritual and offer worship at the 18th century Kannaathal Temple.
The 20 ‘vagayaras’ of Nagarathars use the occasion to meet their relatives and finalise marriage proposals of their wards. This year, the first slot for making Pongal was given to Kannappan Chettiyar by draw of lots. As per the tradition, the family was given the first honour in the temple. This year, the committee allotted 899 slots, three more than last year, for as many families for cooking sweet Pongal.
