Pongal

One of India’s most well-known holidays, the Pongal festival, is widely observed by the Tamil population around the world. The multi-day festival, along with Makar Sankranti, is one of the greatest harvest celebrations observed in the Tai month of the Tamil solar calendar. The four-day festival honouring the Sun God ushers in Uttarayan, the sun’s a northward voyage.

The traditional sweet dish Pongal, which means “boiling over” and is made with rice boiled in milk with jaggery, inspired the name of this celebration. It is first presented to the gods and goddesses before the family eats it. The Chola era is when the Pongal celebration dish first appeared; it is mentioned in numerous writings and inscriptions.

Pongal Festival Significance

Pongal’s significance embodies letting go of the past and embracing fresh starts. Being blessed by the Sun is thought to provide healthy crops and prosperity and happiness in people’s lives. Each day of the four-day festival has its significance.

How Pongal is celebrated

Bhogi Pongal celebration, which marks the arrival of the first day’s fresh harvest of rice, turmeric, and sugarcane, kicks off the festivities. In the Bhogi Mantalu rite, denoting the new and great beginnings, worthless and old household items are thrown out and burned with cow dung.

The first day of the Tamil month Thai falls on the 2nd day of the festival, known as the Surya Pongal or Thai Pongal, which is devoted to the Sun God. On this day, women start their day early by cleaning and decorating their homes with lovely kolam patterns. On this day, milk and jaggery are added to pots of rice which are freshly harvested, and the mixture is cooked until the pots spill by overflowing. The ceremony perfectly encapsulates the meaning of “Pongal,” which is “to boil or overflow.” Before being presented on banana leaves, this dessert is offered to the Sun God.

History of Pongal 

It is said that Lord Shiva once sent his bull, Basava, to the world to remind people to take daily baths, massages with oil, and meals just once a month. Basava made the error of advising everyone to eat daily and take an oil bath once a day. Basava was exiled to Earth for all time by Lord Shiva after he became so enraged to assist the people of Earth in increasing food production. Cattle are supposed to have evolved on Earth for this reason.

Pongal: Traditions

The Pongal festival is considered an auspicious day in Hindu mythology and astrology because it commemorates the day God awakens after a six-month-long night. Three days are dedicated to this festival’s celebration. A particular pooja is done by cutting on the paddy on the first day to commemorate it. By applying sandalwood paste to their sickles and ploughs, farmers revere the sun and the ground.

Every one of the three days is celebrated differently. The first day, often called Bhogi Pongal, is a day to spend with your family. The second day is devoted to Surya, the Sun God, and is also referred to as Surya Pongal. On this day, the Sun God receives an offering of boiling milk with jaggery. The third day, Mattu Pongal is when cows, also known as Mattu, are worshipped. Cattle are cleansed and bathed; their horns are painted vividly and decorated with floral garlands. After being sacrificed to the gods, the animals and birds receive the Pongal.

Public Life During Pongal Holidays

Employees in central and southern India observe Pongal as a religious holiday, although it is not a gazetted holiday in India. However, colleges and institutions in these areas are still closed for the entire duration of the event. Agriculture-related businesses might not reopen. Pongal goes by several names. Hadaga, Makar Sankranti, Poki, Bihu, and Lohri are typical variants. Pongal celebrations differ slightly from one another. The traditional symbols connected to the celebration are the sun, the chariot, wheat, and the sickle. Government offices and most enterprises are open on the limited number of restricted holidays employees are permitted to take.

Three Best Destinations To Visit During Pongal Holidays

The winter harvest festival, the Pongal festival, is extensively observed in South India on a lucky day in January. Making a journey to the South is, thus, a worthwhile endeavour regardless of whether you enjoy food, cultural customs, or simply seeing people work to preserve their rich legacy.

The best South Indian locations that are ideal for quick visits this Pongal are:

• Madurai

Although Madurai is well known for its temples, palaces, handicrafts, and cuisine, Pongal is when it comes to life. This lovely town’s Pongal celebrations will keep locals and visitors busy. To fully experience the vivid energy of the event, we strongly advise visiting the nearby sacred shrines.

• Thanjavur

Thanjavur, a city well-known for its old Shiva Temple, celebrates Pongal in a very special and one-of-a-kind way. The celebration of Mattu Pongal, which includes paying homage to cows at the Brihadeeshwara Temple, brings enormous joy to the residents.

• Coimbatore

Pongal is celebrated in Coimbatore similarly to how Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. People use fresh wall paint, flowers, and kolams (rangoli) to beautify their homes. Family feasts involve the preparation of delicious treats. The discerning patrons can even have customised Pongal dinners at restaurants.

Is Pongal a Public Holiday?

Employees in central and southern India observe Pongal as a religious holiday, although it is not a gazetted holiday in India. However, colleges and institutions in these areas are still closed for the entire duration of the event. Agriculture-related businesses might not reopen. Pongal goes by several names. Hadaga, Makar Sankranti, Poki, Bihu, and Lohri are typical variants. Pongal celebrations differ slightly from one another. The traditional symbols connected to the celebration are the sun, the chariot, wheat, and the sickle. Government offices and most enterprises are open on the limited number of restricted holidays employees are permitted to take.