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Pongal Traditions
Pongal is celebrated in the south with the preparation of sweet rice and as a festival of thanksgiving to Sun God, Earth and Cattle for the beautiful harvest. Pongal is celebrated in the middle of January in the Tamil month of Thai. The celebrations continue for many days and end in the middle of February. During this season rice, sugarcane, turmeric and other cereals are harvested in Tamil Nadu. Pongal derives its name from the boiling over of rice and milk prepared during the festival. Some fascinating traditions and customs are followed during the celebration of Pongal.
Though the occasion of Pongal coincides with Bihu, Lohri and Bhogi, it is a four day celebration. Bhogi Pongal, the first day is dedicated to Indra or Bhogi, the rain god. The tradition is to initiate the day with a til oil bath. To mark the advent of the new, a bonfire is arranged in the evening with old cloths and materials. This day has got a mythological significance also. It is told that Krishna lifted the Gobardhan Parbat on this same day.
Surya Pongal, the second day is devoted to the Sun God. The custom is to offer him Pongal or the Sweet rice on that day..
The third day, Mattu Pongal is devoted in worshipping and revering the cattle (mattu). The tradition is to decorate the cattle richly with colors. Their horns are adorned with turmeric and kumkum. Their necks are decorated with small bells and flowers. The Pongal presented to the presiding god is given to the cattle for eating. Bull fights called Jallikattu are held. On this day the sisters pray for the well being of their brothers. Pongal ball and colorful rice are offered to the birds. The celebrations end with Kanum Pongal on the fourth day with a tradition of arranging a picnic for the young and the old to enjoy the day.
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