What is Pongal?

Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated in the Tamil community. It’s a celebration that appreciates the sun, Mother Nature, and the various farm animals that contribute to a bountiful harvest. Celebrated over four days, Pongal also marks the beginning of the Tamil month called Thailand, which is considered an auspicious month. Usually on January 14th or 15th each year.

Pongal is also the name of the food prepared and eaten during this festival. It is a sweet cooked rice. Derived from the Tamil word pongu, which means to boil.

Meaning of Pongal:

Day 1. Bogi Pongal:

It’s a day to clean up and throw away the old and usher in new beginnings. New clothes are worn and houses are festively decorated.

Day 2. Surya Pongal :

The second day is the main day of Pongal and is celebrated as Surya Pongal. The sun god is worshiped on this day. The entrance of the house is painted with a colorful decorative pattern called kolam, and each family prepares freshly cooked rice and milk in a timely manner.
When the milk is poured into the pot, the family members are overjoyed, saying “Pongalo Pongal!” After the Pongals are sacrificed to the Sun God, they eat some Pongal dishes specially prepared for the day.

Day 3: Maatu Pongal:

His third day of Pongal is called Maatu Pongal. The day is dedicated to honoring and worshiping the cows (maatu) to remember their work in plowing the land. The cows are bathed and decorated with colorful beads, garlands and bells. In Singapore, thanksgiving prayers were held for cows at some Indian-owned dairy farms.

Day 4: Kaanum Pongal :

The fourth day of Pongal is called Kaanum Pongal. This day emphasizes the strengthening of community and ties. A sumptuous meal with the family. Younger members seek blessings from older family members. It is also the day of traditional Indian folk dances such as Mairatam and Kolatam.
When the milk is poured into the pot, the family members are overjoyed, saying “Pongaro Pongal!” After the Pongals are sacrificed to the Sun God, they eat some Pongal dishes specially prepared for the day.