Happy Pongal 2023: The Four Days Of Harvest Festival

Happy Pongal 2023: The Four Days Of Harvest Festival

Pongal 2023: Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu for four days. It is the most popular festival and is celebrated in the southern Indian states to give thanks to nature. It is celebrated in the month of Thai (January – February) during the harvesting season.

Pongal celebrations begin on the day on which the sun begins to move northwards which is called ‘Makar Shankranti’. The period is referred to as Uttarayanam and is considered auspicious. Pongal is likely to fall on the 14th or 15th of January this year and continue till January 18-19.

The festival is essentially a celebration of a golden harvest when farmers express gratitude to the Sun god and Lord Indra. Pongal is a festival rich in traditions and customs. It includes special decorations, rituals and of course the food. Thai Pongal is the main day of the celebrations and it corresponds with the Makar Sankranti.

IMPORTANCE OF PONGAL 2023:

As we know that India is an agricultural country and the majority of the festivals are inclined toward nature. Just like another festival, the Pongal is referred to as Uttarayan Punyakalam which bears special significance in Hindu mythology and is considered extremely auspicious.

It is basically a harvesting festival or it can be considered as the ‘thanksgiving’ festival’ because this festival is celebrated to thank the Sun God and Lord Indra for helping farmers in getting better-yielding crops. During the festival, people reject old belongings and welcome new stuff.

SIGNIFICANCE OF PONGAL 2023 :

The Tamil harvest festival is celebrated with decorated cows, processions, and decorative Rangoli. Each day of this festival has a special significance, however, it is celebrated more grandly in the villages, while the city folk mainly celebrate on the second day only. It is widely celebrated in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. Let’s know how Pongal Celebration takes place on different days:

Day 1: Bhogi Pongal-Saturday, 14 Jan, 2023

The first day of Pongal is called Bhogi. It is a day when cleaning and discarding of old belongings are carried out to signify a fresh start. New clothes are worn, and houses are decorated in the spirit of the festivity.  

Day 2: Surya Pongal/ Thai Pongal- Sunday, 15 Jan, 2023

The second day is the main day of Pongal and is celebrated as Surya Pongal. On this day, the Sun God is honored. Colorful decorative floor patterns called kolam are drawn at the entrance of one’s home, and each household cooks a pot of fresh rice with milk at auspicious times.

As the milk boils freely over the pot, family members shout out happily “Pongalo Pongal”! After the Pongal is offered to the Sun God, they would feast on several Pongal dishes that are prepared especially for the day.

Day 3: Mattu Pongal-Monday, 16 Jan, 2023

The third day of Pongal is called Maatu Pongal.  This day is devoted to honoring and worshiping the cattle (Maatu) to remember the work they do – ploughing the land. Cows are bathed and adorned with multi-colored beads, flower garlands, and bells. In Singapore, thanksgiving prayers would be conducted for the cattle at some dairy farms owned by Indians.

Day 4: Kaanum Pongal-Tuesday, 17 Jan, 2023

The fourth day of Pongal is called Kaanum Pongal. On this day, importance is given to the community and to strengthening ties. Families gather together to have a sumptuous meal. Younger members seek the blessings of the older members of their families. It is also a day for traditional Indian folk dances such as mayilattam and kolattam.