Pongal: A Harvest Festival of Abundance

In the southern part of India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, the harvest festival of Pongal is observed with great enthusiasm. Pongal is celebrated over four days—Bhogi, Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal—and usually falls around the same time as Makar Sankranti. “Pongal” refers to the boiling-over of rice and milk in a pot, symbolising abundance and prosperity. Farmers thank the Sun god and Mother Nature for a successful harvest, and prayers are offered for continued blessings in the coming year.

On the first day, Bhogi, people discard old items and clean their homes to mark a fresh start. The second day, Thai Pongal, is when the traditional dish, "Pongal”, is prepared by boiling rice, milk, and sugar in an earthen pot until it overflows. This sweet dish is then offered to the Sun god before it is shared with everyone. The third day, Mattu Pongal is where cattle are worshiped because they play a vital role in tilling the fields and moving around the harvests. The cows and bulls are decorated with coloured garlands, bells, and paint. The last day, Kaanum Pongal, is dedicated to family and friends going on outings, having picnics, and dining together.

There is an air of thanksgiving and joy through these four days. Houses have kolams in front of them. People wear new clothes, exchange gifts, and go to temples to seek blessings. Pongal underscores the importance of agriculture, community, and nature and reminds one that one's survival is from the bounty of the Earth.