Pongal is a four-day harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu and other parts of Southern India, usually in mid-January. It is a time to express gratitude to the Sun God, nature, and farm animals for a bountiful harvest and marks the beginning of the Tamil month of Thai. Each of the four days has distinct rituals, including the symbolic “boiling over” of a new Pongal dish, honoring cattle, and family gatherings.
Harvest and new beginnings: The festival celebrates the success of the harvest and welcomes the beginning of a new, auspicious month.
Gratitude: It is a way to thank the Sun God (Surya), Mother Nature, and the cattle for their role in agriculture.
Four-day festival: The festivities are spread over four days, with each day having its own traditions:
Bhogi Pongal: The first day involves cleaning homes and discarding old belongings, often in bonfires, to symbolize new beginnings.
Surya or Thai Pongal: The second day is the main event, dedicated to the Sun God. Families cook the new Pongal dish, made from freshly harvested rice, milk, and jaggery, and offer it to the sun. The word “Pongal” itself means “to boil over,” symbolizing prosperity.
Mattu Pongal: The third day is dedicated to the cattle and farm animals, which are decorated and celebrated.
Kaanum Pongal: The final day is for family reunions, feasting, and outdoor activities.