Significance
As we all know, India is a farming country, and the bulk of its
festivities are centred on nature. The Pongal is known as UttarayanPunyakalam,
which has particular importance in Hindu mythology and is regarded highly
fortunate, much like another holiday.
Deity
Sun
Ritual (pooja, vrat etc.)
The pongal sweet dish is created to commemorate the celebration,
and it is first presented to the gods and goddesses (goddess Pongal), then to
cows, and last to the family. Cows and their horns are decorated, ceremonial
washing is performed, and processions are held as part of the festivities.
People clean their homes and surroundings to commemorate the lucky
season. For the four days of the festival, the entire family bathes early in
the morning and dresses in traditional garb. Women wear sarees or pavadas,
while males wear angavastrams.
Celebrations
Pongal is celebrated across four days. All of the days have their
own characteristics.
Bhogi Pongal
Bhogi Pongal is the first day of the festival, when people worship
the sun deity and Mother Earth. For the event, the first paddy harvested is
cooked with milk to produce a delicious meal.
Perum Pongal
The second day is called the Perum Pongal or Surya Pongal. This is
the most significant of the four days, when the sun is worshipped along with
his consorts: chaya and samganya. Lighting a fire and tossing all old and
damaged garments into it is traditional. People also receive an oil massage and
change their clothing before bathing.
Mattu Pongal
The third day is MattuPongal and it is when farm animals are
worshipped. They are in bright clothing, massaged and washed.
On Mattu Pongal is organisedJallikattu, a traditional event where
the bull is brought out into a crowd. People try to pick up a bull's hump and
stick to it to stop it.
Thiruvalluvar or Kanum Pongal
The last day is known as
Thiruvalluvar or Kanum Pongal. People visit friends and family. Women carry out
puja and pray for their brothers' well-being and success.
How to celebrate (including dishes etc.)
Pongal is traditionally cooked in clay pots on stone burners, and Sun
God is offered alongside freshly cultivated seasonal vegetables, sugar cane,
lentils, and grains. Mattu Pongal is celebrated on the third day of the
festival to honour the cows and buffaloes for ploughing the fields. This day is
marked with Jallikattu, a brutal bull-taming competition. On the last day of
the festival, Kanum Pongal, people go on a picnic, bringing a variety of rice
varieties. Pongal is primarily connected with the rural population. On this
day, people send greetings to one another. Pongal greetings are shared among
family and friends, and festivities are held inside the family.
Celebration in different regions/countries including Regional Variance
Tamil festival in Sri Lanka
Singapore,Malaysia,
Mauritius, South Africa,Australia, United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
Gifts
Pongal also includes giving presents to coworkers, relatives,
family members, and friends. Pongal padi or Pongal parisu are the special
presents given to the labourers at Pongal.
Although anybody can offer anything as a gift, there are several
traditional Pongal gifts.
Surya Pongal is a Hindu sun
deity idol or image that may be given as a gift. Bhogi Pongal, which refers to
the gifting of traditional ornamental objects, is also a popular option. Aside
from that, wooden handicrafts or home products like kitchenware are popular
choices.
Best places to experience/ Mela
Tamil people in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh,
Telangana and Puducherry in India
Date & Time
Pongal is usually celebrated from January 13 to 16 every year.
Public Holidays (Y/N and where)
No / Tamil people in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh,
Telangana and Puducherry in India
