Mercy Edward
Auckland, February 19, 2025
May a hundred pots overflow with prosperity and plenty: Men and women behind a hundred pots of Pongal at the Kiwi Tamil Samoogam’s Samathuva Pongal in Auckland on February 16, 2025 (Photo Supplied)
The sky played a delightful mix of drizzle and sunshine over Bruce Pulman Park in Takanini (Auckland) on February 16, 2025, as a wave of excitement filled the air.
Families, friends, and members of the community, dressed in dazzling traditional attire, made their way to the park, their faces brimming with anticipation. For the very first time in New Zealand, the Kiwi Tamil Samoogam (KTS) had brought to life the grandeur of Samathuva Pongal, a Festival that not only celebrated the Tamil heritage but also paid homage to nature’s bounty.
As more than 800 attendees gathered, a sense of unity was visible. Among the esteemed guests present were the Consul General of India in Auckland, Dr Madan Mohan Sethi, his wife Swagatika Bhuyan, Takanini National MP Rima Nakhle, Mt Albert National List MP Melissa Lee, former National List MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Indian Newslink Editor Venkat Raman and Police Ethnic Liaison Officer Andrew Lim.
Their presence underscored the significance of the event, a Festival rooted in deep cultural traditions and the universal gratitude for nature’s gifts.
Leaders at the Festival: Uthamaputhiran Thirugnanam of Kiwi Tamil Samoogam-organised Samathuva Pongal with National MPs Rima Nakhle and Melissa Lee, Swagatika Bhyan, India’s Consul General in Auckland Dr Madan Mohan Sethi and Kiwi Tamil Samoogam President Vineetha Uthamaputhiran at Bruce Pullman Park in Takanini Auckland on February 16, 2025 (Photo Supplied)
The Essence of Pongal
While many across the globe are familiar with Deepavali, Pongal holds a special place in the hearts of Tamilians. Traditionally celebrated by farmers, Pongal is a time to thank the Sun God, the driving force behind agricultural prosperity, and to show appreciation for cattle and farm animals, essential companions in cultivation. The underlying message is simple yet profound: when we care for Mother Earth, she nurtures us in return.
The word Samathuvam means unity and solidarity, and this Festival truly embodied that spirit.
KTS successfully organised an event that transcended religious and linguistic boundaries, uniting people from different ethnic backgrounds to celebrate together. A special group of 100 people was invited to participate in Pongal Panai cooking. Traditional Pongal decorations adorned the stage, complemented by Pongal posters created by Tamil school children. Alongside, games like Thayakaram, Pallankuzhi, Bambaram, and Kite Flying were showcased, offering a taste of traditional village games.
The Park itself was a sight to behold. Women in shimmering sarees and men in crisp traditional dhotis painted a picturesque scene against the lush green surroundings. It was as if a thousand butterflies had descended upon the park, filling it with an explosion of colour and life.
Uriyadi, a traditional game rarely seen in New Zealand: At the Kiwi Tamil Samoogam Samthuva Pongal held at Bruce Pullman Park, Takanini, Auckland on February 16, 2025 (Photo Supplied)
Pongal Panai Cooking
One of the most anticipated moments of the event was the Pongal Panai cooking.
The meticulous planning had begun as early as December last year, ensuring that 100 special participants would have everything they needed: stoves, utensils, and ingredients to cook the traditional dish with ease, ensuring that even beginners could confidently take part.
As the rice and milk mixture bubbled in each clay pot, attendees eagerly watched, waiting for the magical moment when it would overflow, a symbol of abundance and prosperity. The air erupted with joyous cheers and the resounding Kuravai (traditional celebratory sound) of women, sending waves of happiness across the gathering.
It was heartwarming to witness families and friends coming together, stirring their pots with care, and later sharing their delicious creations. Laughter and a friendly spirit echoed throughout the park, proving that the true essence of Pongal lay in togetherness.
The Sugarcane is an essential part of Pongal signifying a bountiful harvest (Photo taken at the Kiwi Tamil Samoogam Samathuva Pongal held at Bruce Pullman Park in Takanini Auckland on February 16, 2025)
A Celebration Beyond Cooking
But the festivities did not end there. As the aroma of Pongal filled the air, a series of vibrant activities unfolded. Women formed circles and performed the graceful Kummi dance, clapping rhythmically, their steps synchronised in harmony. The crowd erupted into cheers as more people joined in, losing themselves in the beats of a famous Vettaiyan movie song. There was an unspoken understanding among the dancers; it was a moment of pure joy, a moment to be cherished.
Meanwhile, another long queue had formed, this time for Maruthani (Henna), as women and children patiently waited for intricate patterns to be painted onto their hands. The excitement on their faces as they admired their freshly adorned hands spoke volumes about the Festival’s charm.
The celebrations extended to the food stalls as well. The sweet allure of cotton candy, the refreshing slices of watermelon, the comforting buttermilk, and the must-have sugarcane juice had attendees making a beeline to satisfy their cravings. The stalls buzzed with activity, a testament to the meticulous planning by KTS to ensure every aspect of the Festival was an experience to remember.
Children in traditional Tamil attire added value to the Kiwi Tamil Samoogam Samathuva Pongal held at Bruce Pullman Park, Takanini, Auckland on February 16, 2025 (Photo Supplied)
Traditional Games and Feasting
No Tamil Festival is complete without a touch of friendly competition. Various sports competitions, like sack races, slow-cycle races, and the classic ‘lemon and spoon’ game, kept everyone engaged, both young and old. The crowd roared with excitement as participants took on the challenge of Uriyadi (pot-breaking), blindfolded and determined to strike the hanging pot. The traditional game of Kabaddi had onlookers cheering and clapping in admiration of the players’ agility and teamwork.
The Festival feast was a grand affair. Plates were filled with fragrant South Indian delicacies, each bite a reminder of home and heritage. In Tamil culture, food is more than just sustenance; it is a gesture of love, a way to bring people together, and on this day, it did just that.
A Day to Remember
As the Sun began to set and the Festival ended, attendees lingered, reluctant to leave the magical atmosphere they had become a part of. They embraced, exchanged heartfelt goodbyes, and spoke of their favourite moments. For many, this was not just another event; it was a deeply emotional connection to their roots, a celebration that had found a home in New Zealand.
Samathuva Pongal 2025 was a resounding success, and KTS proved once again that tradition when celebrated with unity, can create something truly extraordinary. As the last of the attendees departed, one thought lingered in the air: what will KTS bring next year? Whatever it may be, the community will be ready, eagerly awaiting another chance to celebrate their heritage together.
Mercy Edward is a Core Team Member of the Kiwi Tamil Samoogam.
