Pongal is a harvest festival that lasts for four days and is celebrated by most people in the southern states of India to show their appreciation for nature. It is enjoyed in the month of Thai (January-February) during the season when crops like rice, sugarcane, turmeric, etc. are being harvested.
Pongal is a significant festival in South India that celebrates the harvest and time to express gratitude to the Sun God, Mother Nature, and farm animals for a bountiful harvest.
The word “Pongal” comes from the Tamil word pongu, which means “to boil over” or “overflow.” This symbolizes the abundance and prosperity of the harvest season.
Pongal is an auspicious occasion in Hindu mythology and astrology. It marks the day when God begins after a six-month long night. It coincides with other harvest festivals like Makar Sankranti and Bihu.
Pongal is celebrated over three or four days, depending on the location. The three main days are Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal, and Mattu Pongal. Some Tamils also celebrate a fourth day called Kanum Pongal.
Tamil people strongly believe that family issues will be solved during the Tamil month of Thai, which starts on Pongal day. It is believed that the month of Thai will bring joy and happiness as well as new opportunities. It is said that this month is a good time for weddings.
During the four days, following events take place:
The First Day—Bhogi Pongal
Every year on the first day of the holiday, the Bhogi festival is held in honor of Lord Indra. It is said that Lord Indra is the God of rain, which is why he is praised for making the land rich.
On this day, people throw their old, useless household things into a fire made of wood and cowdung cakes. This is also known as Bhogi Mantalu. Songs are sung to thank God, and the girls dance around the pumpkin fire. The bonfire is lit to keep warm during the winter solstice.
The Second Day—Surya Pongal
Today, the second day of carnival, people are worshiping and also taking part in rituals. In a ceramic pot outside the house, the milk is used to boil the rice. This, along with other gifts, is then given to the Lord Sun. People wore their usual clothes and other items. The husband and wife throw away the sacred tools that were used in the ceremonies. The pot that needs to be used to boil rice is tied to a turmeric plant. The following gifts are also included: 1. Two sugarcane sticks are used to decorate the background.
As a traditional part of Puja, tracing in front of the house with white lime powder is what most people do. The lady of the house does this early in the morning after taking a bath.
The third day: Mattu pongal
Matu Pongal is the name of the third day of the carnival celebrations. It is a day for cows. After being decorated with flower swags, tinkling bells, and sheaves of corn, cows are worshiped. The cows are taken to towns after being fed Pongal. The locals are drawn to the sound of their bells, and the men set up a race among the cattle. Many people do aarti on cows to keep the bad eye away. There will be fun and happiness in the air because people are happy.
The Fourth Day: Kannum Pongal
It’s called Knau or Kannum Pongal Day on the last day of carnival. It is proper to wash a turmeric leaf and then put it on the ground. Before taking a bath, the woman of the house puts the leftovers from sweet and Venn Pongal, regular rice, colored rice, plantains, betel leaves, betel nuts, and two pieces of sugarcane on that leaf. The women of the house get together in the backyard of their home. They put rice in the middle of the leaf and pray for their brother’s family to do well. It is done for brothers with turmeric water, rice, and limestone. The kolam in front of the house is washed with this water.
The story behind enjoying Pongal
The story goes that Lord Shiva sent his bull Nandi to earth to ask people to get an oil rub and bath every day and to eat once a month. But Nandi said that everyone should take an oil bath once a month and eat every day. This made Lord Shiva very angry, so he cursed Nandi to live on earth forever. The things he will have to do are till the fields and help people grow more food. So, this day has something to do with cattle and gathering crops for a new crop.
A Historical Look at Pongal
Pongal is mostly observed by Tamil people in the southern states of India. During the Sangam Age, from 200 B.C. to 300 A.D., it was found to be a Dravidian harvest holiday. This is also written about in the Sanskrit scriptures
ASTRO GIVA 