Kaanum Pongal: Large Crowds Flock to Semmozhi Poonga
Huge crowds thronged Semmozhi Poonga in Coimbatore during Kaanum Pongal as thousands of visitors enjoyed the park’s themed gardens and recreational facilities amid the Pongal holidays.
Arunkumar Gowrishankar 
Large crowds gathered at Semmozhi Poonga on the occasion of Kaanum Pongal, as the park has emerged as one of the most popular recreational destinations in the city.
The world-class Semmozhi Poonga, developed with several modern amenities in Coimbatore, was inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on November 25. Public entry to the park was permitted from December 11. Since then, the park has received an overwhelming response and has quickly become a major attraction among residents.
In particular, youngsters, students, and children have been visiting the park in large numbers. Visitors were seen clicking photographs and spending leisure time across the landscaped premises. Earlier, during holidays and festival seasons, Coimbatore residents used to throng the VOC Park. However, the park was closed in 2022 after the Central Zoo Authority withdrew its recognition due to deficiencies in animal maintenance.
Following the closure of VOC Park, the city lacked a major recreational space for the public. In this context, Semmozhi Poonga has now filled the gap and emerged as a preferred leisure destination. On weekends, especially Saturdays and Sundays, more than 20,000 visitors are reported to visit the park.
With consecutive holidays declared for the Pongal festival, visitor numbers surged further. People visiting Semmozhi Poonga explored various themed sections, including the Semmozhi forest, herbal garden, pollen garden, water garden, fragrance garden, desert garden, flower garden, bamboo garden, stone statues of the seven legendary philanthropists (Kadai Ezhu Vallalgal), and the grand entrance featuring an artificial waterfall. Children were seen enjoying the play equipment installed within the park.
According to the Coimbatore Corporation, 29,585 visitors visited the park on Friday and 25,832 on Saturday during the Pongal holidays. In total, 55,417 people visited Semmozhi Poonga over the last two days alone.
Similarly, on the occasion of Kaanum Pongal, heavy crowds were also witnessed at religious and tourist spots around the city, including the Karattumedu Murugan Temple near Saravanampatti, the Marudamalai Subramaniyaswamy Temple, and the Isha Yoga Center, as devotees and tourists thronged these locations to mark the festive holiday.
