Pongal is one of the most religious and significant festivals of South India, also known by its other well-known name, i.e. pongala. Harvest festival. The event is largely celebrated in Tamil Nadu, but it is also celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm in numerous other regions of India. It is a four-day celebration that is carried out with great emotion, energy, and enthusiasm.
Pongal is a celebration of the divine benefits of the Sun deity, which bring wealth to the lives of the people due to a bountiful harvest. The festival derives its name from a popular sweet dish that is typically cooked on the eve of Pongal and offered to the deity as an act of adoration.
Pongal 2023 Date and Time
Starts With Bhogi Pongal: Sunday, 15th January 2023
Surya Pongal: Monday, 16th January 2023
Mattu Pongal: Tuesday, 17th January 2023
Ends With Kaanum Pongal: Wednesday, 18th January 2023
Rituals of Pongal
The celebration lasts for four days, and the ceremonies are performed with great devotion, joy, and zeal.
People Celebrate 1st Day as Bhogi Pongal
This day is dedicated mostly to Lord Indra. Devotees build a sacred bonfire in front of their homes and burn their old belongings and clothing in it. All the devotees clean their homes and then decorate them with kolams made of red-coloured mud and red-coloured flour paste. The highly revered pumpkin flowers and cow manure are also employed for decorative purposes.
2nd Day: Surya Pongal / Thai Pongal
This day is dedicated mostly to the Sun God. The very first day of the Thai month of Tamil has arrived. ‘Pongal’ is a traditional sweet dish consisting of lentils and rice that have been simmered in jaggery and milk. The food is subsequently presented to the Sun deity.
3rd Day: Mattu Pongal
This day is dedicated mostly to cattle, which are an important part of the agricultural sector. The oxen and cows are given a bath and then decked with flowers, garlands, elegant clothing, and jewellery before receiving Pongal. Pongal’s energy and fervour are heightened by the bullfighting that takes place on this auspicious day.
4th Day: Kanya Pongal / Kaanum Pongal
On this final day of the celebration, all the sisters pray and worship the deities for the health, happiness, well-being, and success of their brothers. This particular day is also dedicated to birds, for which rice is prepared.
Dishes Prepare for Pongal Festival
Khara Pongal, Sakkarai Pongal, Murukku, Vadai, and Paal Payasam
Significance Of the Pongal Festival
This bright and joyful celebration is held in the tenth Tamil month, which corresponds to the Thai month. According to the Tamil calendar, the celebration begins on the last day of the Margazhi month and concludes on the third day of the Thai month. According to the Gregorian calendar, the holiday is often observed between January 15 and January 18.
Pongal is primarily celebrated in southern Indian states, particularly by Tamils. It was discovered as a Dravidian harvest celebration between 200 B.C. and the Sangam Age. to 300 A.D. Moreover, this is stated in Sanskrit texts.
Throughout the Sangam era, maidens observed Pavai Nonbu, which was widely practised during the Pallavas’ dominion. It was commemorated during the Tamil month of Margazhi. On this day, girls prayed for rain and prosperity to fall upon our nation. They maintain a distance from milk and it for an entire month. products of s They have? They don’t even condition their hair and refrain from using harsh language when chatting. Early morning bathing was also a habit. They sculpt the Goddess Katyayani’s statue from wet sand and then worship it. This penance ended on the first day of the Tamil month Thai. Due to these practises and traditions, Pongal originated in antiquity.
FAQs
1. What is Pongal celebrated?
Ans – Pongal is a harvest celebration that the Tamil people celebrate. It is a festival to express gratitude to the Sun, Mother Nature, and the many farm animals for their contributions to a bountiful harvest.
2. In which state the Pongal festival is celebrated?
Ans – Pongal is the main festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu.
3. Why is it called Pongal?
Ans – “Pongal” derives from Tamil literature, where it means “to boil.” It is an ancient celebration of South India, especially the Tamils.
4. Why do we eat Pongal?
Ans – The festivities span four days. The second day, which is known as Thai Pongal, is the most significant. It coincides with the northern harvest celebration of Makar Sankranti. On this day, individuals consume a dish named after a celebration that saps their strength.
5. What are the 4 days of Pongal?
Ans – The initial day is known as Bhogi Pongal. The second day is known as Surya Pongal. The third day is known as Maatu Pongal. The fourth day is known as Kaanum Pongal.
