Pongal, especially Kaanum Pongal is the time when the mood in air screams 'SOCIALISE'! This is the time of the year when all the beaches are overly populated and even restaurants need to be pre-booked. This is exactly why we prepared a list of activities you can consider doing this Kaanum Pongal that will help you plan in advance. Try them out!
Chennai Makkale! Try These Activities This Kaanum Pongal
ECR Pongal Fest 2020 by Ulo Hotels
Being one of the popular resorts in ECR, Ulo Hotels is conducting the ECR Pongal Fest between January 13 and January 19. They have passes to this event which are selling out really fast, so grab them quickly! This pass gives you access to an unlimited non-vegetarian course, relaxing swimming pool, DJ nights and more! They also have exciting staycations. Prices start from INR 600.
Find more things to do in ECR here.
Visit Auroville With Your Family
Kaanum Pongal is the time people generally go out with their family. It is also seen as the Tamilian version of Brother's Day. If you're keen on a quick getaway, you can head for a two-day trip to Auroville. The crowd here is much smaller than in Pondicherry which promises better privacy and relaxation. With greenery surrounding you and the yummiest desserts from the famous Auroville Bakery, quality time with family is assured.
Find more things to do in Pondicherry here.
Weekend Volunteering With Environmentalist Foundation Of India
One of the rituals followed on Kaanum Pongal is to visit the river banks of Kaveri. But if you can't visit Kaveri, don't worry. You can always check out one of the many lakes inside Chennai and also add value. Environmentalist Foundation of India organises lake cleanups, wall painting activities and lake safaris every weekend and we think attending these will be a meaningful way to spend your Pongal Holidays! You can check their Facebook and Instagram handles for details about the volunteering activities they have planned for this weekend.
Chennai Book Fair 2020
The 43rd Annual Chennai Book Fair will be conducted at the YMCA Grounds in Nandanam till January 21. Paying a ticket fee of just INR 10 will give you access to this grand event with over 750 stalls and 7 lakh books. You will also see the findings from the Keeladi excavation at the banks of River Vaigai exhibited here. How exciting is that?
Visit The Anna Centenary Library
For the love of reading in one of the most relaxing spots of Chennai, which is also the biggest Library in Asia, this recommendation is definitely worth it. One can just walk into The Anna Centenary Library and spend the entire day here with books for free. If you are a member, it's even better! You get free wifi as well. And the membership fee is as low as INR 150 for the whole year. They have family memberships too. Get yourself one and kickstart your reading routine.
Visit Valluvar Kottam
A replication of the temple chariot of Thiruvarur, Valluvar Kottam is one of Chennai's most majestic monuments. This brilliant piece of architecture is dedicated to the Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, which makes it more apt to visit on Kaanum Pongal as this day is also observed as Thiruvalluvar Day. It has a hall that can accommodate over 3000 people and its Kural Manimandapam has all the verses of Thirukkural etched over the walls. One can plan their afternoon with family here and it would definitely not feel like another cliched outing.
Indulge Into Some Street Food
If you want to make comfortable plans like the ones that involve a casual outing with friends and family, we say you hit the streets. Pani puri, sev puri, sundal, bajjis - take your pick from an array of delish street food options. All of this, after, you're done gulping down some homemade sakkarai pongal, of course. Find the best street food places in Chennai here.
Missed something? Let us know in the comments below.
