It’s time to celebrate

The Pongal holidays have come as a gift for those who have been planning a vacation. Squeeze in a couple of days leave and you have a full week to enjoy some quality time with your family and friends.
It���s also a good time for the kids to take a break from their grumpy grandmas and head out for some fun in the sun. The harvest festival, for some, is the time to return to one���s roots and celebrate with the family.For others, it���s a chance to take a break from mundane routine and head out for some rustic festivities.
Providing the perfect getaway, far from the honking horns and the cacophony of mobile phones, Dairiyam is organising the Makkal Pongal Vizha from January 14 to 18.
Somaspettai, a sleepy village about 70 kms from the city, on the ECR road, will play host to the festivities and village folk will celebrate the festival with visitors.
Commenting on the celebration, Dipankar Ghose from Dairiyam says, ���This is the best way to celebrate a harvest festival. Village folk will give the visitors an unforgettable experience.
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Pongal will be prepared the traditional way and local balladeers will enthral visitors with folk songs. The other highlight of the rustic expedition will be a tour of the village on bullock carts.
Besides this, there will be water sports and some thrilling adventures. Camping overnight is also possible as the place boasts of some of the best campsites.
The day���s activities will begin around 10 in the morning and end with a heart-warming campfire.
For those of you who are result-oriented, hot on the things-to-do list is deep-sea fishing. Anglers Club organises daily trips into the high seas and is the best way to soak up the sun.
Whether you���ve set your sight on a mackerel, you like to do battle with a giant trevally, or you are lured by the mystery of shark fishing, there are boat captains eager to take part in your adventure on the high seas.
The expedition starts from Kovalam village, near Muthukaad, on the ECR. Charters are typically three hours in duration and are a fun and economical activity for the whole family.
With two sessions every day ��� 6 am and 2.30 pm ��� you���re guaranteed to find time to cast your hook and pull in a catch. And when you have your feet back on the shore, the captain will send you back home refreshed after the experience.
Ritesh, an occasional deep-sea fisher, describes his experience battling a large tuna. ���There was a time, it took me about two hours before I could bring the fish aboard. Tuna are known to be difficult to handle and will pull hard on the line. We had to start the boat and pull the fish for about six kilometres in an attempt to wear it down. But, the idea of coming back with a big catch provides you the greatest thrill,��� he says. The charter captains supply the boats, gear, bait and know-how, and all you have to bring along is the willingness to have a whole lot of fun. Dhananjai, a founder member of the Anglers Club says, ���Fishing is a very good way to spend quality time with family and for personal relaxation. Being able to do something you don���t always do helps reboot your system and is refreshing.��� So, whether you���re driving through the villages, riding the waves or taking a trip to the local park, if you���re looking for fun, there���s a lot of fun for the taking.