Pongal

Pongal will be celebrated on January 14. This traditional festival expresses gratitude to the Sun God for a bountiful agricultural harvest and welcomes a prosperous year. It coincides with various other harvest festivals throughout India.

History of Pongal

Pongal is celebrated over four days, starting on the last day of the Tamil calendar’s ninth month, ‘Margazhi.’ The festival day falls on the second day of observance, with the third day of the tenth month ‘Thai’ marking the festival’s conclusion. This is also why it’s known as ‘Thai Pongal.’

Several stories in Hindu mythology are linked to Pongal’s origins. One such tale involves Lord Krishna in Gokula, his first hometown, known as the “place of cows.” To teach Indra, the rain god, a lesson in humility, Krishna advised villagers to worship Govardhana hill and their livestock, rather than Indra. Enraged, Indra flooded the village, but Krishna lifted Govardhana hill with his little finger to shield the villagers. Upon realizing Krishna’s divine nature, Indra repented and embraced this new form of worship.

Another story involves Lord Shiva and his bull, Nandi. Shiva instructed Nandi to tell humans to eat only once a month and bathe in oil daily. However, Nandi conveyed the opposite, saying people should eat daily and have an oil bath monthly. Angry, Shiva commanded Nandi to assist humans in plowing the land to ensure they could eat daily.

Pongal Timeline

• 200 B.C.: Pongal is recorded during the Sangam era.
• 1070–1122 A.D.: During the Chola era, Kulottunga I allocates land to the Veeraraghava temple for Pongal celebrations.
• 2009: Pongal re-enters the Guinness Book with 2.5 million women cooking pongal in Kerala, breaking their 1997 record of 1.5 million.
• 2017: Pongal is recognized in Virginia’s House of Delegates when Delegate David Bulova introduces a resolution designating January 14 as Pongal Day.

Pongal FAQs

What does Pongal mean in Tamil?
The term signifies something overflowing, symbolized by rice boiling over in a pot prepared for the festival.

Is Pongal the same as Sankranthi?
While Pongal is the Tamil celebration, the new harvest is observed all over India as Sankranthi, Uttarayan, or Bihu.

How do you make pongal?
Traditional sweet pongal is made by boiling rice with milk, green gram, and jaggery, with optional additions like cashews, cardamom, and raisins, usually cooked in ghee.

How To Observe Pongal

Visit a Tamil Friend
Celebrate with Tamils across India and the diaspora by visiting a friend’s home or community space to witness the festivities and sample various pongal dishes.

Make Pongal
Traditional pongal is a sweet, milky dish with ghee and cashews, but there are also savory versions. If you prefer different tastes, try variations like khichdi or Sri Lankan and Egyptian versions, ‘mung kiribath’ and ‘koshari.’

Draw Kolams
For the artistic, explore kolam patterns associated with Pongal. These intricate designs, traditionally drawn with rice powder or chalk, can add color and creativity to the festival.

5 Interesting Facts About Pongal Celebrations

1. A Bonfire Marks the First Day
   ‘Bhogi Pongal’ ends Margazhi month with a bonfire to discard the old, making space for the new.
2. Cattle Are Honored
   As Krishna ordained, cattle receive special attention on ‘Mattu Pongal.’
3. Cattle Races
   The controversial tradition of ‘Jallikattu’ bullfights occurs during Pongal.
4. Reunions on the Last Day
   ‘Kaanum Pongal,’ or ‘Kanya Pongal,’ is when relatives and friends come together, sharing gifts and money.
5. Kite Flying in Other Regions
   Symbolizing the seasonal shift from winter to spring, kites are flown in places like Gujarat.

   Why Pongal is Important

   It’s a Community Festival
   Pongal strengthens social bonds, as women often gather in community spaces to cook together, sharing prosperity with all.

   Gratitude for the Harvest
   Farmers’ hard work and a bountiful harvest are acknowledged, with worship of the sun and rain on this day.

   Enjoying Pongal
   With various sweet and spicy options, pongal is a comforting dish using minimal ingredients, suitable for all tastes.

What is the date of Pongal every year?

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