Explanation:

• Pongal is an occasion for the farming community to take a break and play some games after the harvest and before the next sowing season. Pongal evenings are filled with much banter and laughter in the State and playing games is an integral part of these celebrations.
• Villagers gather in a circle and a 10-feet long wooden pole would be plonked in the center, the surface of which would be slathered with oil. Young men would be tasked with climbing up the pole. This game is called vazhukku maram (slippery pole). Those who manage to reach the top win prize money.
•  Mallar kambam, is a combination of gymnastics and yoga. It also involves climbing up a pole, but this is not a slippery one. Similarly, there’s a game called kazhumaram played during Pongal in Dindigul, Coimbatore, Thanjavur, and Theni districts. These regions grow coconuts and farmers there are used to climbing trees. They exhibit their prowess through the game.
• In urban pockets, the most popular Pongal game is uri adithal, which involves players breaking a pot that is suspended at a certain height, blindfolded. “It’s similar to dahi (curd) handi played during Janmashtami in Maharashtra. Kabaddi matches and silambam performances are also equally popular. Games such as elavatta kal are regaining popularity.