हिन्दी
Pongal Celebration
At the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), we believe that the same precision and unity required to launch a rocket are deeply rooted in our cultural heritage. Every year, the centre pauses to celebrate this "Festival of Tamils" (Tamizhar thirunal), thanking the Sun, Mother Nature, and the forces that provide abundance.
I. A Harvest of Unity
Pongal at IPRC is more than a ritual; it is a powerful demonstration of collective spirit.
• Collective Preparation: All employees and staff members join together for the ceremonial preparation of the Pongal dish.
• The Symbolism of "Boiling Over": In line with tradition, rice is boiled with milk and jaggery in earthen pots until it overflows. This "overflow" (pongu) symbolically represents the prosperity and abundance that the centre strives for in its technical missions. The celebrations take place within our lush green campus.
II. Cultural Rhythms and Heritage
The complex transforms into a vibrant arena of traditional music and dance, reinforcing the social bonds of our multidisciplinary workforce.
• Traditional Performances: The festivities feature live performances of Oyillattam (a dance of grace) and Kummipattu (rhythmic folk singing and clapping), keeping the ancient arts of Tamil Nadu alive within our modern technical corridors.
• Cultural Games: To foster teamwork and camaraderie, IPRC organises several traditional games, including: Uriyadi: The high-stakes "pot-breaking" game that requires focus and coordination.
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III. Culinary Traditions and the Grand Feast
The celebration culminates in a traditional feast that honours the agricultural roots of the southern Western Ghats.
• Seasonal Bounty: Employees are provided with fresh sugarcane and palmyra, which are iconic symbols of the harvest season representing sweetness and well-being.
• The Grand Pongal Lunch: The event concludes with a grand communal lunch, where the entire IPRC family gathers to share a meal, strengthening the professional and personal ties that drive our mission success.