Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, as well as in other parts of the country.
It is a four-day festival that falls in the month of Thai, usually around mid-January.
The festival is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and is celebrated as a thanksgiving to nature for a bountiful harvest.
The word ‘Pongal’ means ‘boiling over’ or ‘spilling over’, and refers to the tradition of boiling rice and milk in a pot until it overflows, symbolizing abundance and prosperity.
The first day of the festival, Bhogi, is marked by the burning of old possessions and the cleaning of houses.
The second day, Thai Pongal, is the main day of the festival and is celebrated with much fervor and enthusiasm.
On Thai Pongal, people dress up in new clothes, offer prayers to the Sun God, and prepare sweet dishes such as Pongal, made with rice, milk, and jaggery.
The third day, Mattu Pongal, is dedicated to the worship of cattle, who are considered sacred in Hinduism.
The fourth and final day, Kaanum Pongal, is a day for family gatherings and picnics, and is marked by the exchange of gifts and the sharing of food.
Pongal is a festival that celebrates the spirit of togetherness, gratitude, and joy, and is an important part of the cultural heritage of South India.
