Pongal decorations and celebrations at Chennai Airport

People across Tamil Nadu celebrated the harvest festival of Pongal thanking rain, sun and farm animals. Passengers at Chennai Airport also witnessed the festivities as the terminals were decked up for the occasion and cultural events were organised for passengers’ delight from 13^th Jan to 15^th Jan 2018.

Airports as destinations can be utilized as a platform showcasing traditional and folk festivals of the state /region. Pongal being the local festival of Tamil Nadu, efforts were made to showcase the local art and folk culture through decorations and display of artworks/themes at the terminal building.

Folk dance of Tamil Nadu like Chakkai Attam, Kali Attam or Kolattam, Karagattam, Kavadi Aattam, Kazhai Kothu, Kolattam, Kol Kal attam, Kummi, Mayil Attam or Peacock dance, Ottan Koothu, Poikkal Kuthirai Aattam or Artificial Horse Dance, Puli Aattam or Puliyattam (Tiger Dance), Bharatnatyam as well as Carnatic music were organised involving the local artists, performers and musicians to woo the passengers for three days of Pongal festival. Airlines and other stakeholders also played their part in the events. Some lovely dance performances were presented by the airlines which was equally enjoyed the viewers.

The village settings of Tamil Nadu during Pongal festival were depicted through the decorations at airport. The terminal buildings were dazzling in beautiful lights which set the mood for the festive season in Chennai. Also, the colourful Rangolis made of flower petals and eco-friendly colours added to the charm of the artwork/decorations. Selfie booths representing village huts and traditional temple gates were a hit among the fliers.

To give the feel of harvest festival, passengers at the airport were served with ‘Chakarai Pongal’ a traditional dish made with rice, jaggery and milk and served in dry saal leaf bowls. Both local and foreign passengers enjoyed the cultural events, decorations and the ghee dripping Pongal.

Passengers expressed their views and gave feedback in personal as well as on social media forums like Twitter, praising Chennai Airport for taking such initiatives to promote the local art and festival.