Pongal is a popular harvest festival of Tamil Nadu. It is celebrated on 14th of January every year, coinciding with the Lohri of Punjab, Bhogali Bihu of Assam and Makar Sankranti of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Pongal is mainly celebrated for giving thanks to nature, for a bountiful harvest. This four-day festival is celebrated in the season when rice (and other cereals), sugar-cane and turmeric are harvested. Pongal marks the beginning of Thai, a month of hope and joy, considered auspicious for marriages. As a part of Pongal celebrations, entanceways to the houses are decorated with beautiful Kolams (patterns made with rice flour), to feed the insects and gain their blessings for the household. New clothes are bought and sweets and delicacies are prepared. Bull fights, bird fights and community dinners are also arranged on this day.

Pongal Celebrations

The First Day
The first day of Pongal is devoted to Lord Indra, who is the supreme ruler of clouds that give rain. People pay homag ...more