For more than half a century, 90 Feet Road in Dharavi has been home to migrants from Tamil Nadu.
Farmers celebrate the festival to thank Lord Surya and Lord Indra, and also nature and farm animals for facilitating agricultural prosperity.
The festival spans four days, and each day is known by a different name.
Day 1: Bhogi Pongal (day to burn old items and clean the surroundings)
Day 2: Thai or Surya Pongal (day to honour the Sun God by offering a special dish)
Day 3: Mattu Pongal (day to pay tribute to cattle)
Day 4: Kaanum Pongal (day of family gatherings and celebrations)
Sugarcane is central to Pongal celebrations as it is a crop freshly harvested during this time, and represents agricultural abundance.
Other essential items for the celebrations and rituals include turmeric tufts, banana leaves, mango leaves, etc.
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