Pongal Celebrations are not only restricted to the state of Tamilnadu but is celebrated all over India under different names and observances but with the same intent. This festival is one of thanksgiving and is also synonymous as the great Indian harvest celebration. Moreover it marks the first day of the Tamizh aandh (Tamil year). Symbolically in the country it marks the first day of the sun’s six month long journey northwards better known as Uttarayan. As all other thanksgiving festivities in the country this festal day is strongly rooted both in beliefs of celebration and observances. Mostly misunderstood as a festival restricted to the son of the soil (farmers) , folks partake in Pongal celebrations irrespective of caste creed and way of life. It is day to thank the almighty for the abundant blessings bestowed in the last year and also to begin anew. In the humdrum of busy cosmopolitan life celebrations may not as be as exquisite as that of the small village and towns but the day to be with family, near and dear ones and friends.

Background of Pongal.

Pongal is deeply grounded in beliefs and traditions. The most influential of the folklores associated with the celebration is that of the Lord Shiva, his bull Nandi and the Gowardhan mountain. According to the legend associated with Lord Shiva and his bull Nandi on the third day of Pongal the lord directed his buffalo Nandi to tell the people to anoint themselves in Oil and have a bath and eat only once in month. However the Lord’s bull was confused and instead he told people to take a bath only once a month and to eat daily. This act of Nandi angered Lord Shiva and he placed Nandi on the earth to help humans produce more harvest. This is believed to be one of the beliefs associated with Pongal. The second folklore is that of the Gowardhan mountain states that Lord Krishna lifted the mountain on his little finger on bogi which is first day of Pongal. The main intention of him doing so was to protect the cattle from Indra the angry rain God.

Popular Symbols for Pongal

Pongal as a festival is very symbolic and there are various symbols that are commonly associated with the same. Most of the symbols of this festival deal with agriculture and also the sun which is both considered as source and sustenance. For example the symbol of the chariot represents that of the sun chariot. The popular doctrine states that the Sun God moves around the earth in the sun chariot .

1. The Sun- revered as source and sustenance.

2. The Chariot- the chariot is symbolized as the vehicle of the sun god and he uses this vehicle to circumvent around the world.

3. Wheat grains- The sustenance of humankind which is fruit of the earth and the work of human hands.

4. The sickle- The tool used for harvesting and gathering the crop.

5. Kolam- Apart from decoration it is an invitation for Goddess Lakshmi and is also symbolical to prevent evil forces from entering the house.

When in Pongal celebrated?

Pongal is celebrated on the 14^th or 15^th of January. The Hindus celebrate this day as it marks the auspicious beginning of the sun movements through the zodiac Capricorn (Makri Rashi) Other popular variations of spring festivals celebrated.

• Makar Sankranti

• Lohri

• Bihu

• Hadaga

• Poki

How is Pongal celebrated?

Pongal is celebrated over a period of over a period of four days.

1. The first day is also Bhogi. This day many people get rid of scrap household items and replace it with new ones. This is also seen as a mark of the new cycle.

2. The second day is Perum it is known as Surya Pongal. This is the one of the most important day of the Pongal festival. Many worship the Sun God Lord Surya by offering prayers that day. Individuals also wear new clothes that day and decorate their houses with Kolam (design) using rice flour and red color.

3. Mattu Pongal is the third day of Pongal. This day cattle are worshipped as it is believed that cattle are an important part of reaping a harvest.

4. The fourth day is Kanum Pongal, this day when people spend a considerable amount of time with family and friends.

The Pongal festivities also include exchanging gifts, dancing and bull fighting competitions. Pongal is not a gazette holiday but is a religious holiday around Southern and central India. However schools and colleges in this area remained closed for a period of four days. Business and agricultural activities also remained closed for a period of four days.