On December 18th, 2010 the New England Nagarathars celebrated Pillayar
Nonbu that was skillfully organized by Nacha & Ravi and Nachu & Mani. Function
started around 4.30 PM with lite snacks and tea. Chettiars were busy
preparing Elai while Achis were busy making garland for lord
Vinayaka and preparing other items for the pooja. After all the prep work,
  everyone sung Bhajans lead by Rajan. This year Elai
was distributed by Meyyappan Annan ( Saravanan's father  visiting
from India) and Swami Manickam. The Dinner was delightful as
always with so many Chettinad delicacies. After a small break the
group reassembled for the auction. Solai started the auction with a small
story from the Indian great Epic Mahabharatham, the story was about
how the Dharmam that he did protected Karnan"Dharmam Thalai Kaakum". It really boosted the
bidders.  Auction went very well with competetive bids from Chettiars
and Achis. This time we had a record bid amount for Salt of $2291. In
total the auction raised a record $5019.  Then it was time for NSNA
retreat DVD, which was very well received and stimulated talks about the retreat. Meenu Meyyappan performed a classical dance followed by Swathi Kannan's Thirukural recital.  We finished the day off with NENA's tradition, Patti Mandram on Pillayar nonbu day. The topic
was Vettrikku Padippum Uzhaippum thevaiya illai adhirstam thevaiya?
(To Succeed do we need Hard work & Education or Luck ?). It was
moderated by Mark Chockalingam. Defending the Uzhaippum/Padippum side were the Achis:  Chittal Ram, Sweety Prasanna, Sivagami Nachiappan & Hema Kannan and defending  the Adhirstam side were the chettiars Venkat Subbu, Babu,  Subbu and Sethu. The debate ended with a happy ending. "For Success  we need Hard work, Education and also Luck". Once again
we had a traditional & fun filled pillayar nonbu.