From the term's CVP report
Pongal and Mattu Pongal
Painted pots, rangoli, the Pongal pooja and an offering to the Sun God, and the next day a visit to Chinmaya Ashram for Mattu Pongal.
CIRS celebrated the harvest festival of Pongal on 15 January 2026. The celebrations began on the eve of the festival, when students from Shishu Vatika to Grade XII painted traditional Pongal pots.
On the day, students decorated their allotted spaces with rangoli and, in traditional attire, took part in the Pongal pooja and the ceremonial preparation of Pongal. The celebration culminated in offerings to the Sun God, followed by cultural performances on the values and traditions of the harvest festival.
The next day, Junior School students visited Chinmaya Ashram for the Mattu Pongal celebrations, where they learned the significance of the occasion and fed the cows and calves.
What it taught
The festival was planned so that students would understand the cultural, agricultural and spiritual significance of Pongal and Mattu Pongal, and would develop gratitude towards nature, respect for tradition and compassion for living beings. The report records that it helped students recognise the harmony between people, animals and nature, and fostered creativity and teamwork.
