In the month of January, the entire country gears up to celebrate the harvest festival of Makar Sankranti. The festival, generally celebrated on January 14 every year, is marked by festivities as per regional traditions in different states.
Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal in southern states, especially in Tamil Nadu. Homes come alive with cheerful kolams, showcasing traditional harvest designs and signaling the upcoming festivities. Families eagerly prepare for the four-day celebration, ensuring their kitchens are stocked with essentials for the delightful Pongal dish.
Makar Sankranti is celebrated on the Panchami tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Magha as per Hindu calendar. This year, Makar Sankranti and Pongal will be celebrated on January 15, as per Drik Panchang.
The Pongal festival, dedicated to expressing gratitude to nature and cattle, spans from Bhogi Pongal to Kaanum Pongal. Bhogi Pongal marks the beginning of the four-day Pongal festival celebrated in South India.
Here is a brief overview of each day:
Bhogi Pongal (Day 1):
Traditions and Customs: On Bhogi Pongal, people wake up early and clean their homes. They collect old and unused items, such as clothes and utensils, and burn them in a bonfire. This act symbolises letting go of the past and embracing the new.
Decorations: Homes are adorned with kolams (traditional floor art), and traditional Pongal dishes are prepared, like chakkarai Pongal, thengai sadam, puli sadam, vadai and payasam (kheer).
Thai Pongal (Day 2)
Harvest Celebration: Thai Pongal is the most significant day of the festival. Farmers express their gratitude for the harvest, thanking the Sun God for providing energy for the crops to grow.
Pongal Dish: Pongal dish is prepared using the newly harvested rice with milk and jaggery in earthen pots. An overflowing pot, while preparing pongal, symbolises prosperity and abundance.
Prayers and Rituals: Special prayers are offered, and traditional rituals are performed to seek blessings for the prosperity of the household.
Mattu Pongal (Day 3)
Mattu Pongal: The day is dedicated to cattle. Farmers decorate their cows and bulls with colorful beads, flower garlands, and often paint their horns.
Kaanum Pongal (Day 4)
Family Gathering: The final day of the festival, Kaanum Pongal is a day for families to come together. Sisters often pray for the well-being and prosperity of their brothers.
Recreation: Families engage in outings, picnics, and other recreational activities. It is a day of relaxation and enjoyment, fostering bonds among relatives and friends.
Overall, the Pongal festival is a vibrant and joyous celebration that brings families and communities together to express gratitude, celebrate abundance, and usher in positivity for the year ahead.
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