Date:08/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/08/stories/2008010854640500.htm

Pongal is the most famous harvest festival of South India. The occasion symbolizes exchanging of gifts which multiplies the joy of the festival and helps to develop stronger bonds of love and affinity between friends, relatives and neighbours. All through the four days of the festival people pay a visit to their near and dear ones and exchange box of sweets or dry fruits and a thoughtful Pongal gift. Children are particularly excited about the festival. For them it is the time for wish fulfillment as all their elders are too eager to pamper them with the best of Pongal gift.

Corporates extend Pongal Gifts

During this festive season corporates express their gratitude towards their employees and patrons by giving a special Pongal gift to them. In villages, it is customary for farm labourers to get ‘Pongal Padi’ or ‘Pongal Parisu’ (Pongal Gifts) from their employees. Shopkeepers too greet their employees with bonus or Pongal gifts on the joyous occasion. Regular service employees in urban cities also receive Pongal Gift from their employers.

Shopping for Pongal Gifts

Market places are abuzz with activity during the time of Pongal as everyone indulges in massive gift shopping for all their dear ones. Shopkeepers announce special schemes and discounts to attract consumers. In tune with changing time, people have variety of gift options available to them and they take full advantage of this situation. Every year people turn more innovative with choice of gifts.