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5 Ways to escape Homesickness this Pongal


Whenever new year comes, it brings the festive season of Pongal and Sankranthi into Indian homes. With the Christmas holidays just gone by, many of you folks might've gone back to tackle your daily life. But what life it is, without making a patang (kite) fly and cutting of your competitor's maanja or making the colorful rangolis (Indian Street art) one-upping the neighboring aunty.

And above all, eating those delicious til-gul laddoos or the chakli murukkus and settling in front of the TV with a nice movie on in the evening. Ha... those golden old days! Now most of you might not even have that desired holiday today and above all, that homesickness punching in the gut.

So fear not, we have these 5 tips so that you can feel a bit less homesick.

1. Get up early and make that rangoli:

I know getting up early is not anyone's forte, except a few, but the auspicious occasion calls for an early calling. So get that nice-backside up, and start a nice rangoli. If you stay in a flat or along with others doesn't matter, reminisce that early morning scoldings of your Mother and the mood is set.

Tip: If you don't want to make one in front of the front-door, make one in front of your pooja-mandir or in your own space with flowers.



2. Cook some delicacy from your childhood:

Now you have gotten up early. So don't be in a rush to get to office early atleast a day, in fact, call in and tell that you might be running late. Because, it's time to cook something that reminds you of the festival from your childhood. It could be a simple all-vegetable koottu or that delicious payasam or that ubiquitous Makar Sankranthi dish, Katte Pongal.

Tip: If you can't cook or can't find time, ask your Mom to share the recipe with your cook. Atleast you get to eat that special delicacy. Or find that sweet shop around your place which sells that special Sankranthi / Pongal sweets.

Credit: Pinterest

3. Dress the part: 

Again, many of you might have the dress codes which do not permit you to dress traditionally. But try to include that one piece of article or color you always wear for this festival. Like, its a tradition to wear green and yellow in many of the places, so try to dress accordingly. You can even ask your friends at your workplace to do the same. 

Tip: If you can't dress or do not want to wear the bright and bold colors, try including it as the smaller accessory. Like a cufflink or an earpiece. It makes yourself different from everyday monotony and giving the festive vibe. 

Credit: Pinterest

4. Fly the kite:

Now, this is a bit difficult because you are in a city with no parks and hello, no holiday. But again, who needs to have all that in this "digital" age. Yeah peeps, go digital. There are many game platforms which offer you festival specials. Go join and get that adrenaline dose there. 

Tip: This is more of a precaution, don't install those games on your office laptops, use your own mobiles and mobile networks please. You don't want to get caught by the nasty IT people anytime.

Credit: Pinterest

5. Finish the day with a nice movie:

Again, this is something many of us do everyday. But to give that festival vibe, invite your friends, pick a nice mass movie, because that's what Sankranthi/ Pongal is all about. Settle in front of the TV with the delicacies and hooting at the screen. 

Tip: For best entertainment, pick a 90's movie because, for us the adults, that definitely reminds of our childhood. 

Credit: Pinterest


And amidst this, don't forget to video call your loved ones. 

Happy Pongal and Happy Makar Sankranthi everyone! 

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