After 2023, Pongal slowly became more than just a festival for me it became a festival of learning.
In 2024, I celebrated Pongal in the United States. This year, I found myself celebrating it alone in Delhi. Somewhere along the way, I started learning new things again what I call my “Bachelor Pongal.”
Everything felt fine until January 12th. After that, scrolling through photos and reels of friends celebrating with their families made the loneliness hit harder. It made me realize that this Pongal, I would truly be celebrating with just myself.
Still, instead of letting loneliness take over, I decided to turn this experience into something meaningful. India is known for its diversity especially when it comes to culture and festivals. Pongal, though celebrated under different names across states, carries the same essence everywhere: a harvest festival rooted in gratitude.
Lohri: From Strangers to Family
On January 13th, I got a chance to celebrate Lohri, Punjab’s harvest festival. In many ways, Lohri is similar to Bhogi, which we celebrate in Tamil Nadu. That day reminded me of the power of extroversion of socializing with strangers and exchanging stories, warmth, care, and values.
A random meetup in my society turned into something beautiful. What started with unfamiliar faces slowly became an extended family. They shared their stories, I shared mine, and before we knew it, time flew by. I stayed until 9:30 PM, soaking in the warmth of human connection.
I even made a reel about the experience how strangers can turn into friends, and sometimes even family. We exchanged numbers, and later that night, I sent them a thank-you note.
Side note: the kachori was amazing especially with that awesome mint chutney.
Pongal Day in Delhi
January 15th Pongal day.
I woke up around 5:30 AM, took a bath, wore traditional attire, and clicked a few pictures while planning to make Sakkarai Pongal for the first time in Delhi. By around 7:30 AM, I offered Pongal to the Sun God and visited a nearby temple.
I packed Pongal for my office mates and shared my wishes with everyone. Distributing Pongal across the office felt special it was my way of sharing blessings and giving them a taste of Tamil Nadu.
In the evening, I made Sakkarai Pongal again, this time for my neighbors and the new friends I had met during Lohri. Later, they texted me saying the Pongal was awesome and that message alone made the day complete.
At night, I posted pictures on Instagram and uploaded my reel. It reached around 6,000 views with 190 likes. Interestingly, when I looked deeper into the metrics, I noticed that strangers appreciated my content more than some of my so-called friends.
It was a harsh truth but an important one. It helped me understand who my real people are.
This Pongal taught me how to connect with new people even when I am alone. It showed me how to cope with missing loved ones, and how to find genuine connections in unexpected places.
Here’s hoping that the next Pongal finds me in a different location, with a different experience—and perhaps a new lesson to learn.
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