Pongal, a four-day harvest festival celebrated by the Tamil people, is a vibrant tapestry of tradition, gratitude, and joyous revelry. Falling in mid-January each year, it coincides with the Makar Sankranti celebrated across India, marking the end of the harvest season and the sun's northward journey. But for the Tamils, Pongal goes beyond just celebrating the bounty of the land; it's a time to express appreciation for nature, the farm animals, and the community that sustains them.
Four Days of Festivities:
Pongal unfolds over four distinct days, each imbued with its own unique significance:
- Bhogi Pongal: The first day signifies a fresh start, with homes thoroughly cleaned and unwanted belongings discarded. Bonfires crackle, symbolizing the burning away of negativity.
- Surya Pongal: The second day, and the heart of the festival, is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. The traditional Pongal dish, a sweet rice porridge cooked in a clay pot, is offered to the sun as a token of gratitude. Families gather, dressed in their finest attire, to witness the auspicious moment when the rice boils over – a sign of prosperity and abundance for the coming year.
- Maatu Pongal: The third day honors the cattle, the backbone of agriculture. Cows are adorned, fed Pongal, and worshipped for their vital contribution to the harvest. Jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming sport (now banned), used to be a thrilling highlight of this day.
- Kaanum Pongal: The final day is dedicated to family and friends. People visit relatives, exchange gifts, and enjoy. It's a day of leisure and togetherness, marking the culmination of the festive spirit.
Beyond the Celebrations:
Pongal is more than just a festival; it's a cultural canvas showcasing Tamil traditions. Women create intricate kolam drawings on the ground using rice flour, transforming doorways and courtyards into vibrant art. Folk songs and dances like Karagattam fill the air, adding to the festive fervor.
Today is the Bhogi, From Tomorrow pongal fest
will start one by one. As a celebration, in my College we celebrated pongal festival. Here are some clips and photos. What we wear, and what we do... Enjoy....
Video clip(edited):
Shot on: iPhone 13