During the Christmas time we had huge celebration in our office where there was a Christmas tree in every bay and floor was fully decorated with lights and balloons. It was quite interesting. We also had people with colorful Christmas cloths and hats. During the occasion we also had associates singing Christmas carols and distributing chocolates to all other associates.
After all that fun, we now have pongal celebrations happening in the office. As a start they have setup a pot and fire and decorated the entrance which is kind of treat to the eyes. Pongal is one of the most important festival for us in India. In North India it is called as Makarasankaranthi and in South India it is called as Pongal, a festival for harvest. During this festival we also pay our respect to the cattle and cows that help us during our agriculture activities.This festival is celebrated for 4 days in India.
First day - Bhogi
The first day of the festival is called Bhogi. This day is celebrated as a day to remove all the waste things from the house and also from our mind and to start a fresh life. This day comes on the last date of the Margazhi month in Indian calendar.
Second day - Pongal
This is the actual festival day for us. A small background about the history of this festival. India is a country with Agriculture as the backbone. In our traditional agriculture practice Sun and the cattle play a vital role. We show our respect to the Sun god during the first day of this festival. A special Pooja is done in every house where people show their offerings and respects to the Sun god who is responsible and a witness for all the activities happening in this world.
Third day - Maattu pongal
This is the day where we show the respect to the cattle that we grow in the house. Especially the focus is more on the cows and bulls that we grow in our house. To honor them we also have a sport in the village area called as Jallikkaatu which is a traditional game. In this Jallikkaatu game, both bull and cattle together play this sport and the one who wins this sport is rewarded well. This is also considered as a manly thing and girls are attracted towards this sport to see her soulmate playing this and winning the game.
Fourth day - Kaanum pongal
This is an outing day for all the people. Usually in village region there will be special carnivals happening in the town or even inside the village itself. People go and visit such carnivals as a family and spend lots of money there to enjoy the things available in the carnival. In city regions people visit malls and other places to enjoy the day. It is also very common to visit relatives during this day and have fun. Usually beaches will be fully filled with people with a huge crowd.