The festival of Pongal falls on the first day of the new Tamil month, Thai. This festival which lasts for four days is similar to Thanksgiving which is celebrated in America. Each of the four days has a unique and important significance.
Bhogi Pongal
Bhogi Pongal is the day preceding the day of Pongal. On this day, people clean their homes and discard unwanted items. Homes are painted and decorated. People light a bonfire outside their homes and burn the old stuff. People want to get rid of the old and focus on the new. People also burn old clothes and other materials. People like to buy new vessels, etc. It signifies that you are forgetting the old and welcoming the new month of Thai.
Thai Pongal
This is the first day of new Tamil month, Thai and people celebrate it by preparing ‘Pongal’ which is a sweet dish made of rice, jaggery and other ingredients such as milk, cashew-nuts, raisins, etc. It is a very delicious dish enjoyed by all members of the household. People decorate the courtyard of their homes by drawing beautiful Kolams (Rangolis). Designs are made using rice flour and bordered with red clay. People also offer prayers to Surya, the Sun God.
Mattu Pongal
The third day is dedicated to the cattle which help the farmers in various ways. The word ‘Mattu’ in Tamil means cattle. People pray to the cows, bulls and other farm animals on this day as a way of giving thanks. These animals have a very big role to play in a farmer’s life. They are bathed and adorned with flower garlands. People tie multi-coloured beads and bells around the neck of these animals and serve them ‘Pongal’. People apply vermillion tikkas on their forehead. Jallikattu – a bull festival is held in some parts of Tamil Nadu on this day.
Kaanum Pongal
This is the last day of Pongal festival. On this day, people meet their relatives and friends and celebrate by flocking to the beaches to enjoy themselves. Some people also head to theme parks or go for picnics to relax and have fun. People exchange gifts and have a good time. They attend traditional dance performances which are accompanied by music and song. On this day, different varieties of rice are prepared for birds to feast on.
Pongal Rituals
Sugar-cane is a must as part of Pongal rituals. Sale of long, juicy sugar-canes goes up every year during Pongal festival. People buy new clothes on this day. The pot in which the sweet dish, ‘Pongal’ is being prepared is decorated beautifully. Pieces of turmeric and ginger are tied around the pot. As per rituals, the milk is allowed to boil and spill over while preparing the dish. When the milk boils and bubbles out of the vessel, people shout in chorus – ‘Pongalo Pongal’. People also believe that the beginning of the new month, Thai will bring happiness and new opportunities will come. It will solve problems in the family.
Pongal is one of the most awaited festivals for Tamilians. Pongal is an ancient festival but it is celebrated with excitement and zeal even today. Apart from the villages, even Tamilians living in modern cities celebrate it with joy. Even though it is a very old festival, the rituals and celebrations remain the same even today without external influences. - https://www.indiaparenting.com/
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