Pongal Celebrations at St. Pius X College

St. Pius X College is known for its many traditions which go back a long way. One of the annual traditions which is looked forward to with great enthusiasm is the celebrations of the Pongal festival. Pongal is basically a harvest festival celebrated by Tamilians on the first day of the month Thai, corresponding to January 14 or 15 in the regular calendar. It is a time to thank the Lord for the bountiful harvest with which he blesses his people. The Tamil brothers who study at St. Pius College take the initiative in celebrating this festival with great fervor. They are enthusiastically assisted by the rest of the house.

The seminary celebrated the Pongal festival on Tuesday, 22nd January with a meaningful Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Stephen Maria from Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Orlem. The community was led through a touching experience by the meaningful liturgy which was deeply rooted in the local culture. It was a welcome change to see many seminarians dressed in traditional attire.

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the traditional festive vegetarian lunch which was served on banana leaves to the entire community. Some of the neighboring parishioners helped in the preparation of the meal. They were duly felicitated during the meal for their efforts. The Rector thanked the community for coming together to celebrate this feast and keeping alive the multi-cultural life that St. Pius is known for.

Br. Cedric Rosario

3rd year Theology