Pongal 2023: Pongal is a festival mainly celebrated by the people in Tamil Nadu. During this time, the journey of the Sun towards the equinox begins. This is called Uttarayan. It also marks the first harvest of the year. The festival lasts for four days in Tamil Nadu and coincides with Makara Sakranti and Lohri, which are commonly celebrated in North India. ‘Pongal’ derives its name from the tradition of boiling rice in a pot until it starts to spill. People in South India also make kolam rangolis and prepare traditional Pongal dishes with rice, milk and jaggery. Let us know what is the history and importance of this festival.
History of Pongal festival
According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Shiva sent his bull Nandi to the earth for daily oil massage and bath and once a month to have food. But on reaching the earth, Nandi disobeyed the Lord and declared to eat food daily and take an oil bath once a month. This enraged Lord Shiva and he cursed Nandi to stay back on earth and help humans in their field-work. Therefore, Pongal celebrates the harvesting of crops and farm animals for their cooperation in farming.
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Significance: Of Pongal
People all over Tamil Nadu celebrate the harvest festival of Pongal and give thanks for the rain, sunshine and farm animals. People wake up early in the morning, wear new clothes and visit temples. People believe that Pongal is the time to perform auspicious ceremonies like marriages, engagements and other religious activities.
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How is Pongal celebrated?
Pongal festival takes place over four days. This year it will be celebrated between 15-18 January. The first day is bhogi. People burn their old clothes, mats and other belongings and houses are painted afresh. Rangoli kolam is also made at home.
The second day is the main Pongal festival celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month of Thai.
The third day is Mattu Pongal when bulls and cows are bathed and their horns painted and worshiped as they play an important role in agriculture. Women also feed colored rice to the birds. In some parts of the state, Jallikattu – a bull-taming sport – is conducted.
The fourth day is Kaanum Pongal. People go out and meet relatives and friends and also go for sightseeing.