During this period, the children are on quaterly school holidays (the last before the exams), so Nila Illam was complete, all living in the farm and those coming from the boarding, a total of sixty.

Whatever their religion, many Indians are celebrating Christmas, [Jesus is somehow a deity into the Hindu pantheon], and celebrate the New Year (official).

For Christmas, nearly 250 people gathered at the farm, including the group of Nila Illam, boys of Souriya, many aged people of Amaidhi Illam, the farm workers and their children, the employees of Volontariat and of course the social workers, 21 children from Elumalai association Infant India and 50 of the association APRES. A dozen of European, visitors or volunteers, also attended the festivities.

Everyone was greeted with a glass of lemonade with spirulina, then went to the Dyanam for a ceremony, followed by a cultural program consisting of dances, theater, songs, yoga demonstration, etc..

The feast ended with a large meal consisting of 250 persons who had served a eggplant Briyani , with a chetney (salty-sweet) tomato, a raita or onions salad and fruit salad for dessert .

All will remember this day, especially all the children of Nila Illam program for whom it is very important to have a break in their daily routine.

For the New Year or rather January 2, 2010, the social workers in charge organized one day trip at Mahavallipuram, a resort station on the seashore, 2 hours from Pondicherry, on the road to Chennai. Participants included all children of Nila Illam, the boys of Souriya and their accompanying adults, 78 people in total. The bus, rented for the occasion, also carried the breakfast and the lunch consisting of lemon rice and chips.

The children visited an old fort near Marakanam, the crocodile farm and then spent a good time playing at the seaside

These visits, in addition to being fun, can also give everyone, both adults and children, an opening on another side of India that many were unaware before.

All are eagerly waiting the few days off for the Pongal celebrations, from 13 to 15 January 2010.