Monday, Feb 17 2025 | Time 23:50 Hrs(IST)
States » South


Bhogi marking beginning of 4-day Pongal fest begins in TN

Bhogi marking beginning of 4-day Pongal fest begins in TN

Chennai, Jan 13 (UNI), Bhogi, marking the commencement of the 4-day
Pongal festival in Tamil Nadu, began on Monday early morning, with the
people discarding their old items and burning them to usher in the fest.
It was a tradition that has been long followed that on the eve of the Pongal
festival, people will discard their old items and burn them by lighting bonfires
in front of their houses, before cleaning their homes to usher in the auspicious
Tamil Month 'Thai".
The legend has it that the birth of Tamil month "Thai" meaning "Thai Piranthal
Vazhi Pirakkum", (the birth of Thai will pave way for a new life) marking the
beginning of a new life after discarding the unwanted things.
Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu State Pollution Control Board Chairperson (TNPCB)
advised people to celebrate a smoke-free Bhogi to ensure that the air pollution
level was kept under control.
Earlier, due to burning of old items, smokes emanate across the city and the arrival
and departure of flights were delayed due to thick smoke engulfing the areas across
the city and in around the airport, causing discomfort to the passengers.
In an advisory, the TNPCB said "Our forefathers celebrated “Bhogi” the day before
Pongal festival traditionally based on hope by discarding old and derelict things and
concentrating on new things which causes change or transformation."
Earlier, Bhogi festival heralded by lighting bonfires with old materials and goods
crafted from natural materials and these activities did not pollute the atmosphere
or have an influence on the environment.
"Now-a-days during “Bhogi”, air pollution is caused by incorrect practice of burning
discarded tyres, plastic goods, tubes, papers with chemical residues etc. Because
of these activities, dense black smoke is produced disrupting landing/take-off of
regular flights in Airports and driving in City streets", it said.
Furthermore, it created air pollution and health hazards to the public causing eye
irritation, sneezing etc.
To prevent such illicit practices, awareness is created by the TNPCB among the
public for the past 20 years through distribution of hand-outs, audio messages
using auto rickshaw etc. Because of these public awareness campaigns, the
activities of burning of waste tyres, rubber tubes and other waste materials have
been reduced significantly.
To monitor the ambient air quantity in Chennai, TNPCB will conduct ambient air
quality survey in 15 locations throughout the day for 24 hours on Bhogi festival
and day-before and day after the festival and the ambient air quality data would
be published in the website of the TNPC Board.
To continue with the forthcoming environment friendly celebration of “Bhogi,” 2025,
TNPCB has taken several steps to create awareness in the Greater Chennai
Corporation and also in all Districts of Tamil Nadu.
Therefore, the Public are requested to celebrate Bhogi without burning plastics, tyres,
tubes etc to protect the environment.
"Wishing everyone a very Happy Pongal", it said.
UNI GV 0711

More News

AP: Anganwadi workers stage dharna demanding wage hike

17 Feb 2025 | 11:41 PM

Kakinada, Feb 17 (UNI) In response to the union's statewide call, Anganwadi workers in large numbers staged a dharna in front of the ICDS project office here on Monday in support of their demands, mainly hiking wages in proportion to the price rise.

see more..

Rs 5 lakh Solatium given to kin of three victims killed by captive elephants

17 Feb 2025 | 11:32 PM

Kozhikode, Feb 17 (UNI) Kerala Devaswom minister V N Vasavan has handed over financial assistance of Rs five lakh each to the kin of three people, who were killed during a temple festival at Manakulangara temple at Kuruvangahad near Koyilandy on February 13, on Monday.

see more..
Fake IT job racket busted, one held in Hyderabad

Fake IT job racket busted, one held in Hyderabad

17 Feb 2025 | 11:22 PM

Hyderabad, Feb 17 (UNI) The city police have busted a fake IT job racket by arresting a person.

see more..

AP CM calls for self-sustaining, tech-driven temple ecosystem

17 Feb 2025 | 10:48 PM

Tirupati, Feb 17 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, on Monday outlined his vision of a self-sustaining, technology-driven temple ecosystem, blending faith with modern governance.

see more..

No need to panic at GB Syndrome: AP Minister

17 Feb 2025 | 10:40 PM

Eluru, AP, Feb 17 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Minister for Housing and I&PR, K Parthasarathi, on Monday asked people not to panic at the Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) disease and directed the medical officers to keep ready required medicines and injections to treat the patients.

see more..