The vibrant spirit of tradition came alive at Sri Manakula Vinayagar Engineering College (SMVEC) as students, staff, and faculty came together to celebrate Pongal 2025 in grand style. The celebration was not just an event—it was a beautiful showcase of Tamil culture, unity, and festive spirit.
Symbolism of Light and Darkness
In Indian traditions, darkness represents ignorance, negativity, and evil, while light signifies knowledge, positivity, and divinity. Lighting a lamp embodies the transition from ignorance to enlightenment, marking the beginning of auspicious events with the hope of invoking divine blessings and clarity of thought.
A Traditional Welcome
The festivities began with a traditional welcome. The college grounds were adorned with colorful kolams, fresh sugarcane, turmeric plants, and festoons made of banana leaves. Students dressed in traditional attire— veshtis, sarees, and half-sarees—added to the festive charm, creating an atmosphere that felt like a slice of rural Tamil Nadu.
Pongal Pot Ceremony
The centerpiece of the celebration was the Pongal pot ceremony. As the sacred pot brimmed with overflowing rice, jaggery, and milk, chants of “Pongalo Pongal!” echoed through the air. This symbolic moment marked gratitude towards the Sun God and the spirit of a bountiful harvest.
Cultural Programs & Competitions:
Our campus celebrated the Pongal Festival with traditional decorations, cultural performances, delicious Food courts and organized various competitions and events to the students and faculties such as Pongalo Pongal, Rangoli, Pot Décor, Tug of War, Uriyadi, Kadhai Vasippu, Naattupura Padalgal, Tamil Elocution, Musical Chair, Balloon Game etc., that brought everyone together in the true spirit of this traditional festival.
Traditional Feast
No Pongal celebration is complete without food! The college served a delicious South Indian feast, with varieties of Pongal (sweet and savory), sugarcane, vadai, and payasam. The meal was not only a treat for the taste buds but also a moment of bonding and sharing.
Pongal Games for Staff at SMVEC 2025
As part of the vibrant Pongal 2025 celebrations at Sri Manakula Vinayagar Engineering College (SMVEC), a special segment was dedicated to the heart of the institution—its staff and faculty. The spirit of Pongal isn’t just about rituals and traditions; it’s also about togetherness, joy, and celebrating the people who make the college thrive.
Whether they won or cheered from the sidelines, every staff member left the celebration with a smile—and a few unforgettable memories. At SMVEC, Pongal is not just a festival—it’s a feeling, and this year’s staff games perfectly embodied that spirit of joy, unity, and celebration.
