Pongal 2024: Here's the significance of Pongal festival celebrated by the Tamil community

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As the end of winter is nearing, the Indian subcontinent is starting to celebrate festivities marking the emergences of longer days, Sun God and emergences of harvesting season. One such festival is Pongal, which celebrated on January 14 or January 15 every year. This year Pongal will be celebrated on Monday, January 15. On this occasion, let us know significance of this festival.

Pongal is a multi-day Hindu harvest festival celebrated in southern part of India by Tamil community. It is observed according to the Tamil solar calendar. The festival is dedicated to Sun God and corresponds to Makar Sankranti, the harvest festival celebrated across India. Makar Sankranti though is known under difference religious name traditionally state and culture wise.

Interestingly, Pongal is also the name of the dish made and eaten during this festival. It is a mixture of boiled sweet rice. It is derived from the Tamil word pongu, which means "to boil over".

The Pongal celebrations are to thank the Sun, Mother Nature and the various farm animals that help to contribute to a bountiful harvest. Celebrated over four days, Pongal also marks the beginning of the Tamil month called Thai, which is considered an auspicious month.

The festival is celebrated for four days with Bhogi, Surya Pongal, Maatu Pongal and Kaanum Pongal, observed on consecutive days.

The first day of Pongal is called Bhogi. It is a day where cleaning and discarding of old belongings are carried out to signify a fresh start. New clothes are worn, houses are decorated in the spirit of the festivity. Bhogi also marks the last day of the Tamil month Marghazhi. Bhogi is observed on the same day in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

The second day is the main day of Pongal and is celebrated as Surya Pongal. On this day, the Sun God is honoured. Colourful decorative floor patterns called 'Kolam' (Rangoli) are drawn at the home entrances. families also cook fresh Pongal- the rice with milk at auspicious timings.

The third day of Pongal is called Maatu Pongal. This day is devoted to honour and worship the cattle (Maatu) to remember the work they do in farms - ploughing the land. Cows are bathed and adorned with multi-coloured beads, flowers garlands and bells.

The fourth day of Pongal is called Kaanum Pongal. On this day, importance is given to the community and to strengthen ties. Families gather together, younger members seek the blessings of the older members of their families. It is also a day for traditional Indian folk dances such as Mayilattam and Kolattam.