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PONGAL FESTIVALS
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. |
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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. |
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