Pongal, Memories, and the People I Miss the Most

Pongal has always been my favourite festival, not just for its traditions but for the emotions it carries. This year, I am far away from my family, and I find myself missing my father-in-law deeply. He kept telling me that he would come home to Vadodara for Pongal 2026, and that thought stayed with me throughout the festival. I truly miss him.

Pongal is a sweet festival in every sense, and I have always loved enjoying the sweet Pongal my dad prepares. As far back as I can remember, it has always been my dad who cooks both sweet Pongal and ven Pongal on Pongal morning. He does it before sunrise, on a makeshift firewood stove, with so much care and love.

My dad’s recipe is the tastiest Pongal I have ever had. It is one recipe I learned wholeheartedly, and it has never failed me. I used to eagerly wait for Pongal just to eat that delicious sweet Pongal my dad taught me to make.

This year, there were no big celebrations. Still, I prepared my favourite Pongal at home, and it turned out wonderful. It brought a quiet sense of comfort, even though my heart longed for family.

Another strong reminder of Pongal is my Thai mama, my maternal uncle, who used to bring Pongal seer varisai for my mom every single year. What touches me the most is that he continued this tradition even after my mom passed away, right until the year he died. Through his actions, he kept reminding us that Pongal is about family.

I miss him deeply. Thank you, Sudha mama, for all the love you shared with us. There hasn’t been a single day when I stopped thinking about you, but Pongal makes your absence feel even more pronounced. I can’t forget the items you used to bring with so much affection.

Mama, I truly miss you. Pongal would have been so different if you were still here. Maybe you would have been with me in Vadodara, flying kites and laughing together. Who knows.

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