Pongalo Pongal! Pongalo Pongal ! These happy cries can only mean one thing. The harvest festival of Pongal is here and it’s time to make merry. The festivities are all about celebrating the bountiful gifts of nature and reminding ourselves of the close association between man and nature — the crops, birds, bees, cattle, and the sun.
Falling in January, the day marks the beginning of the sun’s six-month-long- journey northwards — signalling the changing seasons. As the chilly winter gives way to a bright, warm summer, the prospect of a prosperous harvest of crops brings a whole lot of cheer.
In Tamil Nadu, Pongal is a grand four-day spectacle with a host of customs and traditions.
Day 1: Bhogi
‘Out with the old’
This is the day before Pongal, when all old and unwanted things are discarded and burnt in bonfires of wood and cow dung cakes. Houses are thoroughly cleaned and spruced up. Entrances are adorned with sugarcane. The practice signifies new beginnings and the elimination of all unwanted and negative energy.
Day 2: Pongal
‘Thank you, Surya’
This is the main day, where all the action takes place. Beautiful kolams ( rangolis ) are drawn in front of houses and people dress up in traditional clothes. Families gather out in the open around earthen pots in which rice and milk are boiled, as a gesture of gratitude to the sun god. When the pot overflows, hearts overflow with joy. Plenty of delicacies are prepared and served, including the quintessential pongal .
Day 3: Maatu Pongal
‘Cattle craze’
On this day, the spotlight shifts to the farmer’s friends — the cattle. The cattle are decked up to look their finest — with colourful bells, garlands and trinkets. They are fed well and given a much needed day of rest, when they can wander around happily without having to work. There’s an unmistakable carnival-like atmosphere in the streets and it’s a jolly day indeed. The traditional Jallikattu (bull taming) is also a feature.
Another interesting tradition is that of Kanu Pidi , where girls and women offer a feast of rice, vegetables, bananas, and pongal on ginger or turmeric leaves. This is left outside for the crows to share and it is an occasion for women to pray for the well being of their brothers.
Day 4: Kaanum Pongal
‘Family day out’
The last day is set aside for family reunions and meetings. People flock to public places such as beaches and enjoy a vibrant and happy day.
The year’s Pongal festivities come to a close, and everyone is filled with hope for a happy and prosperous year ahead.
