Pongal is a major and traditional festival of South India, especially Tamil Nadu, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandeur for four days. This festival is a symbol of pride not only for the farming community but for the entire Tamil culture. There are religious, cultural and social reasons behind celebrating the Pongal festival by dividing it into four days. Every day has its own special significance and unique traditions, which make it a complete and comprehensive celebration.
Day 1: Bhogi Pongal (the day of purification and initiation)
Bhogi Pongal marks the beginning of the Pongal festival. This day is a symbol of giving up old and unnecessary clothes and belongings and starting life afresh. On this day, houses are cleaned and there is a tradition of burning old things in the fire, which is called “Bhogi Mantal.” It symbolizes self-purification and elimination of negative aspects of life. Also, on Bhogi Pongal, people worship Lord Indra, who is believed to be the god of rain and agriculture. The farmers express their gratitude to him, because by his grace the harvest is good.
Day 2: Surya Pongal (the day of the main festival)
Surya Pongal is the most important day of the Pongal festival. The day is dedicated to the Sun God, who is considered to be the source of life and energy in Tamil culture. On this day, farmers thank the sun god Surya, who provided favorable conditions for growing crops.
According to tradition, a beautiful rangoli (kolam) is made in the courtyard of the house on this day. Family members prepare a dish called “Pongal” by mixing rice, milk and jaggery in an earthen pot. When the milk comes out while boiling the dish, people celebrate by saying “Pongal Pongal.” The purpose of this day is to express gratitude towards nature and agriculture.
Day 3: Mattu Pongal (Respect for animals)
Mattu Pongal is dedicated to cows and bulls, which are an integral part of Tamil Nadu’s agricultural life. On this day, farmers decorate their animals, paint their horns and garland them.
Cows are especially worshipped, as they help in the farmer’s life with milk, ploughing fields and other agricultural work. On this day, animals are fed sweets, jaggery and rice. Sports like bullock cart races and jallikattu are organised in rural areas, which make the day even more special.
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Day 4: Kannum Pongal (Day of Social and Family Unity)
Kannum Pongal is the last day of the Pongal festival, which is considered a symbol of social and family bonding. People celebrate this day with their friends and relatives.
Family members together organize picnics and enjoy food items like sugarcane, coconut, banana. This day serves to strengthen the spirit of brotherhood and community spirit in Tamil society.
The Importance of Celebrating Four Days.
The main purpose of celebrating Pongal for four days is to dedicate different days to each aspect. The first day symbolizes purification and new beginning of life, the second day is of gratitude to the Sun God, the third day is of understanding the importance of animals and the fourth day is of strengthening social relations.
Pongal is not only an agricultural festival, but it is also a medium to preserve the roots and traditions of Tamil culture. This festival provides an opportunity for people to connect with nature, family and community.
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