Rows of bright yellow turmeric plants are on sale at Purasaiwalkam. Photo: S.T. Karthick Raj
The first batch of sugarcane came from Madurai and Panruti on Tuesday. Sugarcane is grown exclusively for Pongal mainly from areas such as Chidambaram, Theni, Sirkazhi and Sethiathope. Photo: S.T. Karthick Raj
Of course, what's Pongal without pots? Called the ‘Pongapaanai’, it is a round-bottomed decorated mud pot in which the delicacy is cooked. Photo: S.T. Karthick Raj
When milk boils over, people generally shout "Pongalo Pongal!" Here, women police participate in the Samathuva Pongal celebrations. Photo: B. Jothi Ramalingam
Buffaloes being bathed in preparation for Maatu Pongal celebrations. Photo: S.R. Raghunathan
At Walltax Road in Chennai, a number of people enjoyed their Pongal by taking part in a 'Rekla Race'. Photo: B. Jothi Ramalingam
Police were kept on their toes as people turned out in large numbers on the occasion of Kaanum Pongal. Photo: K.V. Srinivasan
A bird's eye view of Kaanum Pongal celebrations from the Marina lightouse. Photo: K.V. Srinivasan
Families spend a happy time at the beach. Photo: M. Karunakaran
While Chennai residents thronged the beach to celebrate Pongal, the policeman monitors the crowd. Photo: M. Karunakaran
Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur also drew large crowds as it does every year. Photo: G. Krishnaswamy