People throng tourist spots to celebrate Kaanum Pongal in Erode

Thousands celebrate Kaanum Pongal at Kodiveri anicut and Bhavanisagar park, enjoying water activities and festive atmosphere.

Thousands of people thronged tourist spots, especially Kodiveri anicut and the park at Bhavanisagar dam, to celebrate Kaanum Pongal in the district on Thursday.

Right from morning, people with their families, friends and relatives, visited the anicut located 15 km from Gobichettipalayam, and enjoyed bathing in the anicut. They also enjoyed coracle rides at the anicut and spent time playing in the park attached to it.

Tourists described the water flow as mesmerising, and the huge crowds were witnessed throughout the day. Temporary shops selling snacks, ice-creams, beverages and tea, along with roadside eateries offering fish fry and meals, witnessed brisk business all day. The anicut was overflowing with visitors, with cars parked on the road causing traffic congestion.

Meanwhile, a man from Pallavaram, Chennai, wearing over 200 sovereigns of gold jewellery, was intercepted by the police while bathing for over an hour at the anicut. The police stated that due to the increasing number of people entering the waterfall, he and his family were asked to leave as a safety measure.

At the park attached to the Bhavanisagar dam, a large number of people gathered with friends and relatives, enjoying the day by sharing snacks and other eatables. Additionally, many visited Bhavani Kooduthurai, Karanampalayam check dam, the barrage at Vendipalayam, and the Nattatreeswarar temple, located on a hillock on the River Cauvery, as part of celebrations.

At the V.O.C. Children’s Park in the city, women and children enjoyed dancing and playing throughout the day. Entry for men was restricted to the park during Kaanum Pongal, while the police made elaborate security arrangements across the district.