Some memories never fade. For Savitha, such memories are stacked from those of the annual festival in her village. The colors of the decorations of the temple, her village, and its people; the din of the loudspeakers – spouting a devotional song here and a film song there; the tales from Mahabharata and Ramayana and of course, the fair. It was a day of luxury when she could enjoy giant wheel rides, get a photo of herself, stuff herself with cotton candy and an assortment of sweets till she could have no more. On the day of the main festival, she would hold her mother’s saree as they sat in a line in front of the temple – each in front of the wood fire, cooking up Sakkarai Pongal as offering to the God. Somehow, that Pongal would be the tastiest she would eat that year.
It might have been three years since she even visited her village, ensnared in the daily routine of a mundane, city life. Some memories, however, sustain her.
Word count: 172
Sakkarai Pongal: Sweet made from rice, lentils, jaggery, and milk. Believe me, it is so yummy (my mouth is watering as I am writing this!).
Such village festivals are held throughout Tamil Nadu in villages and towns. Extremely colorful, noisy and full of life. It is entirely impossible to capture the essence of these in 175 words…. Some images here.
Flash fiction in response to FFfAW hosted by Priceless Joy.
Thought trail 
Fabulous look at a festival I’ve never been aware of. Thanks.
Every year one of the Jewish festivals is called Purim. It commemorates the story in the Biblical Book of Esther where the Jewish population of ancient Iran was saved from extermination. Today, in Israel, the holiday is celebrated as sort of a combination of Halloween and April Fool’s Day. People dress up in costume and play practical jokes as well has hold humorous Purim plays.
I’ve never been myself, but it sounds like fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow! That’s something I never knew too. Thank you for sharing this. Yes! It absolutely sounds fun! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your pic of devotees cooking po gal connects dot to dot to the picture prompt . 🙂What a great take on the prompt !
And the story is so beautiful too . I can see how precious those memories must be for Savitha . Loved the vivid descriptions of the annual festival- beautiful and the image of sakkarai pongal looks really delicious . Need to try it , soon🙂
Enjoyed your story so much ,
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the observation, Moon. Very perceptive as always. When I saw the picture, it was all I could think of! 🙂
And yes, please try the Pongal. I am sure you will enjoy it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved how you saw the picture prompt.
Let me start looking for the recipe. Unfortunately , I don’t have any Tamil friends, or else, I would have begged and pleaded , for authenticity’s sake.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh! Let ne try to get you one. 🙂
LikeLike
My mouth is watering too, as I read this. I remember the taste so very well. I worked for a time as a nompar (sp?) and when the family’s Mum came to visit the new baby she made this. It was so delicious. She also taught me how to make papadums from scratch and curried chicken with gravy. Such a delightful fortnight it was. I was so sad to bid the family farewell when they returned to their homeland, but glad they were going back to the home they loved. Thank you for the Great memory trigger.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow! That is quite an experience. Thanks for sharing this! :-). Feels so happy reading this.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sounds like absolutely wonderful memories! I reminds me of our county and state fairs here in the states. Wonderful story!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, PJ!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The food looks delicious and what a treat to learn about these special festivals. I really enjoyed your story
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! I agree, Through these stories we learn so much about cultures around the world. It is exciting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is something I would love to experience. Thanks for the really interesting footnote too. Excellent.
Click to visit Keith’s Ramblings
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Keith!
LikeLike
Neat thank you for the extra explanations. For your narrator, sounds like they were and are cherished and vivid memories. Maybe she can return someday soon to make new ones of this holiday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. Yes. I hope so too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a delightful and lively account of a special occasion. I’d love to experience such a festival!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Its pongal.
Thanks
Talent hunter
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s quite a vivid description of the village festival. Enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Appreciate you taking time to read and comment.
LikeLike