India
is bestowed with the bliss of festivity. A major segment of the population
here depends on agriculture. As a result, most of the festivals are also
related to the agricultural activities of the people. These festivals are
celebrated with different names and rituals in almost all the parts of
India. Pongal is one of such highly revered festivals celebrated in Tamil
Nadu to mark the harvesting of crops by farmers. Held in the middle of
January, it is the time when the people get ready to thank God, Earth and
their Cattle for the wonderful harvest and celebrate the occasion with
joyous festivities and rituals.
The four-day Harvest festival is celebrated all over the state in January.
The festival begins on the last day of the Tamil month with Bhogi Pongal
followed by Surya
Pongal on the next day. It is on this day that Chakkara Pongal, a delicacy
of harvest rice cooked with jaggery, ghee and cashew nuts is offered to the
Sun God. The third day, Mattu Pongal is dedicated to the Cattle when cows
are bathed and adomed with colorful beads and flowers. Jallikattu, the
bullfight is held on the last day known as Kannum Pongal.
First day !
The first day of the festival is called Bhogi. On Bhogi all people clean
out their homes from all corners, and collect all unwanted goods. In the
evening, people will light bonfires and burn what can be burnt.
Second day !
The second day of the festival, Surya Pongal, is the day on which the
celebrations actually begins, is the first day of the Tamil month Thai. On
this day, Surya, the sun God is worshipped and women will wake early on this
day to create elaborate kolum on the grounds in front of their doorway or
home. Kolums are created with colored rice flour placed on the ground
carefully by using one's hand.
Third day !
The third day is called Maatu Pongal, maatu meaning cattle. This day is
devoted to paying homage to cattle. Cows and Bulls are decorated with paint
and bells and people pray to them.
Fourth day !
The fourth day is termed as Kaanum Pongal. On this day, people travel to
see other family members.
