- 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.
Category: 10 LINES