by Pongal festival, a harvest festival celebrated by the Tamil community. It’s a celebration to thank the Sun, Mother Nature and the various farm animals that help to contribute to a bountiful harvest.
Celebrated over four days, Pongal festival also marks the beginning of the Tamil month called Thai, which considered an auspicious month. It usually falls on the 14th or 15th of January each year.
What is pongal festival?
Pongal also the name of the dish made and eaten during this Pongal festival. It is a mixture of boiled sweet rice. It is derived from the Tamil word pongu, which means “to boil over”.
Four Days Of Pongal Festival
1.BHOGI PONGAL
The first day of Pongal festival is called Bhogi. A day where cleaning and discarding of old belongings are carried out to signify a fresh start. New clothes are worn, houses are decorated in the spirit of the festivity.
2.SURYA PONGAL
The second day, the main day of Pongal, celebrated as Surya Pongal. On this day, the Sun God honoured. Colourful decorative floor patterns called kolam, drawn at the entrance of one’s home, and each household cooks a pot of fresh rice with milk at auspicious timings.
Cooking in Pongal Festival
As the milk boils freely over the pot, family members shout out happily “Pongalo Pongal”! After the Pongal offered to the Sun God, they feast on several Pongal dishes that prepared especially for the day.
3.MAATU PONGAL
The third day of Pongal called Maatu Pongal. This day has devoted to honour and worship the cattle (Maatu) to remember the work they do – ploughing the land.
Jallikattu in Pongal Festival
Cows bathed and adorned with multi-coloured beads, flowers garlands, and bells. In Singapore, thanksgiving prayers conducted for the cattle at some dairy farms own by Indians.
4.KAANUM PONGAL
The fourth day of Pongal called Kaanum Pongal. On this day, importance given to the community and to strengthen ties. Families gather together to have a sumptuous meal. Younger members seek the blessings of the older members of their families. It is also a day for traditional Indian folk dances such as mayilattam and kolattam.
