Happy Pongal 2024: Know significance and celebrations of this 4-day festival

The word "Pongal" refers to both the festival and a dish, prepared during a specific time period of the day.

Pongal is one of the most significant Indian festivals that is widely observed with fun and fervour, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. Pongal is a harvest festival and it is celebrated over four days.

The festive day is celebrated across India as per regional traditions in different states. It is known as Makar Sankranti in North India, Magh Bihu in Assam, Uttarayan in Gujarat and Maghi in Punjab.

The four-day festival will conclude on January 18. The first day is known as Bhogi Pongal, followed by Perum Pongal or Surya Pongal on the second day, Mattu Pongal on the third day, and Kaanum Pongal on the fourth and final day.

Ahead of Pongal 2024, let us delve into the celebrations in detail, about the festival’s history and significance.

Bhogi Pongal — People start the festivities by wishing for good rainfall for the crops from Lord Indra. The Tamil month of Margazhi comes to an end on this day as well.

Perum Pongal — Devotees worship the Sun God for the winter solstice. On Perum Pongal, people create beautiful rangolis with white lime to beautify their houses. Lip-smacking dishes are also prepared.

Mattu Pongal — This marks the third day of Pongal where cattle are decorated and worshipped. The domestic animals are adorned with corn stalks, bells and floral garlands.

Kaanum Pongal — On the fourth and last day of the festival, people clean their houses and decorate them. In addition to visiting friends and family, people also take part in various cultural activities.

Devotees celebrate the occasion with friends and family, dress in traditional wear and enjoy a bonfire night.

History

As per Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Shiva once asked his bull Nandi to visit Earth carrying the message that the people should take an oil bath every day and eat only once a month. However, Nandi wrongly communicated it to the humans on Earth by asking them to eat daily and to take oil bath once a month. When Lord Shiva came to know about it, he was disappointed and cursed Nandi to remain on Earth and help people in growing their own food. But, Lord Shiva dedicated one day to Nandi, which is to be celebrated with the worshipping of bulls. That’s how Mattu Pongal became a day to worship cattle.

Significance

For the people of Tamil Nadu, Pongal is an important festival. Rice, turmeric, and sugarcane are among the crops harvested during this season. In addition, many consider Pongal to be the appropriate occasion for conducting religious rituals like marriages and engagements as well as other auspicious ceremonies.