Pongal: know what makes this multi-day harvest festival special

Beginning January 15 is the time for Pongal celebrations. Millions of Tamilians will begin celebrating Pongal with generous enthusiasm and mouth-watering feasts. Observed across the state of Tamil Nadu for ages, this four-day festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm all over the region.
It's no wonder, therefore, that Pongal in India is held around one of the best times of year, i.e., during the time when the rest of the nation celebrates Makar Sankranti, an illustrious Indian fest. The four joyful days marking Pongal festivities are meant to bring bounty into the lives of people and hold the promise of new beginnings.

Here’s taking a day-wise look at Pongal festival celebrations in India.
On day 1…

The Hindu deity that presides over rain, Indra, is honoured with due rites. People light up a huge bonfire of cow dung cakes and dry wood, and young girls dance around it in merriment singing folk songs in praise of the deities, the spring season and the rich harvest. This festival is by the name of Bhogi.

On day 2…

Women make the auspicious design called Kolam in the premises of the house, using white lime powder, early in the morning before their daily ablutions. Later, rice and milk are boiled in earthen pots and offered to the solar deity. Elaborate rites are performed of which bananas, coconut and sugarcane are the main ingredients as offerings to the gods.

On day 3…

The country folks celebrate Mattu Pongal, the day dedicated to cow worship featuring elaborate rituals. As man is dependent on cattle for food and hearth, the bovine species has been an object of reverence for devout Hindus.


On day 4…

The women of the family perform special religious rituals for the prosperity of their brothers. Kannum Pongal celebrations on the fourth day begin by women of the house gathering in the courtyard of the house before their bath. Ritual articles are assembled for worship, and then lamps of clarified butter are waved before the brothers. A host of other sacred articles are also offered to the brothers and also make Kolam to add the finishing touch.

Have experiences to share with us about Pongal celebrations in India? Drop us a note!