Thai Pongal is one of the most important celebrations of Tamil Nadu, which lasts for four days, started on Monday, January 14, 2019.
They dedicate the festival to the Sun God for 4 days for agricultural abundance.
In parallel, there is Makar Sankarati, which is celebrated throughout India.
The origins of the Thai Pongal festival may date to more than 1000 years ago.
Thai Pongal is celebrated with sugar cane and Sarkarka Pongal.
Sarkkarai Pongal is a sweet rice dish cooked in a clay bowl with cardamom and cashew.
This food is served in banana leaves and offered to the Sun God.
I received several messages from my Indian friends during the week, wishing me Happy Pongal and Makar Sankarati.
The following message was the most beautiful:
„Let’s salute the Unsung Heroes!
This is the special occasion of the Harvest Festival.
The Indian Farmers for their Relentless Effort, Sweat and Toil. ”
Beautiful.
Festival Days:
First Day – Bhogi:
On this day, people throw away their old stuffs, burn their old clothes, and celebrate the new property.
The houses are cleaned, decorated, painted to give a festive appearance.
Indicates the beginning of a new cycle.
The second day is the most important day – Thai Pongal:
In Tamil, Pongal means “overflow”, which means abundance and prosperity.
Tamil people decorate their homes with bananas and mango leaves, and they decorate the front part of the house with kolam (colored drawings ).
The third day – Mattu Pongal:
On this day they are bathing and decorating cattles. They paint on their foreheads, horns, and feed them with honey, banana and a mixture of other fruits.
The fourth day – Kanum Pongal:
Kanuum Pongal is the last day that marks the end of the festival. The word “kanuum” means „ to visit”.
Many families spend this day together, giving each other gifts and sweetness, thus strengthening their relationship.
