Indians have numerous reasons to celebrate what they celebrate! Pongal, which is celebrated in Tamil Nadu as a four-days-long festival. Like every celebration has a story associated with it, Pongal, which is celebrated in January month.
Pongal is celebrated in essentially the month when turmeric, rice, and sugarcane are harvested. This festival is celebrated as a means of showing your gratitude to God for the harvest of the year. The literal meaning of term Pongal is “to boil”, and is known with different names in different parts of the country.
The Bhogi festival-The first day of Pongal
The Bhogi festival or the first day of Pongal is observed to celebrate the existence of Lord Indra, the lord of rain. On this day, bonfire is made from wood and cow dung cakes in which the unused items of the home are burnt.
Thai Pongal - The second day
On this day of Pongal, according to a unique custom milk and rice are boiled together in an earthen pot. And, it is offered to the Sun by tying a turmeric plant to it. Kolam at the entrance of the home are also designed on this day.
Mattu Pongal - The third day
This day of Pongal is particularly to celebrate cows and their holiness. And, Cow is ornamented on this day with garlands, bells, and sheaves of corn and are then worshipped.
Kaanum Pongal - The fourth day
This is the last day of Pongal! On this day, women of the household perform a special kind of ritual. According to this ritual, the Sweet Pongal leftover are placed on a turmeric leaf in the courtyard.
Wish everyone a happy and prosperous Pongal 2019!!