PONGAL

Pongal is one of the traditional festivals that is celebrated in various parts of India.As we know that India is an agricultural country and the majority of the festivals are inclined towards nature.

Pongal is mostly celebrated at the beginning of the Tai month according to the Tamil solar calendar, which generally falls on January 14. It is also called the harvesting festival or it can be considered as the 'thanksgiving' festival' where farmers thank God for the harvest and the creatures that support agriculture like the Sun, Cattle, Rain, etc.

This festival is named after the ceremonial "Pongal", which means "to boil" and "overflow”. Pongal is referred to as “Uttarayan Punyakalam” which bears special significance in Hindu mythology and is considered extremely auspicious. It is one of the main multi-day harvest festivals of Tamil Nadu.

Pongal festival is a four-day celebration affair. Each day marked by different festivities.

First day is called the “Bhogi festival” where the people will burn all the old goods at home as a symbol of welcoming the new beginnings and burning the old pains and sorrows.

The Second day is called “Thai Pongal”. In this day, a special ritual is performed where rice and milk are boiled together in an earthen pot - to which a turmeric plant is tied - out in the open as an offering to the sun god. Along with this, sticks of sugarcane, coconuts and bananas are also offered.

Another important aspect of this day is the kolam, the traditional design hand-drawn at the entrance of houses with lime powder. This auspicious drawing must be done early in the morning and only after a bath.

The Third day is called “Maatu Pongal” or “Cattle Pongal”. On that day the farmers decorate their cattle and thank them for the work and contribution in the agriculture process.

Jallikattu is a traditional and bravery game which will be conducted in many places on the eve of Maatu Pongal and Alanganallur Jallikattu is famous all over the world such that it attracts international tourism.

The Fourth day is called “Kaanum Pongal” where people go for short trips or relative’s homes or any spot to enjoy as a family and spend time together.

Pongal is known by different names in different regions of the country. In some parts, it is called Makar Sankranti while in others it is also referred to as Lohri. It is also called Magh Bihu in Assam and Poush Sankranti in West Bengal.