Thai Pongal 2026: Traditional TN potters hit by soil scarcity as festive demand surges | VIDEO

Tamil Nadu: As Thai Pongal celebrations bring festive cheer across Tamil Nadu, artisans in Poovanthi village in Sivaganga district are working tirelessly to produce traditional earthen Pongal pots, despite facing a severe shortage of suitable soil.

The Poovanthi pots are renowned for their strength and durability, thanks to a unique blend of fine Vaigai River sand and alluvial soil from local water bodies (kanmais). The carefully mixed clay is moulded into strong, heat-resistant vessels essential for Pongal rituals.

However, artisans say restricted soil access and recent weather disruptions have hit production hard.

Ganesan, a veteran artisan, said demand has surged, but supply remains limited.

“Even though there's high demand for pots in these times, we can't get the soil needed to make them. So, for places that used to order a thousand Pongal pots, we're now supplying only 300. We can only send limited quantities to those demanding more. Due to heavy rains in October and November, we couldn't make pots; we produce them in large numbers only during the sunny seasons, tailoring output to the season. From October to December, we focus on pots, followed by Sami items like fire pits in the next months. During the summer, we make pots for drinking water. Similarly, we make Karthigai lamps before that month. This way, we craft Tamil traditional items according to the time of year. Therefore, I request the government to grant us full freedom and permission for soil access,” he said.

Another senior artisan, Balu, who has been crafting pots for 40 years, urged people to continue supporting traditional pottery and to buy eco-friendly earthenware with enthusiasm.