NEW DELHI, INDIA, January 10, 2017 (The Statesman): Pongal is a four-day harvest festival of Tamil Nadu which commences from the last day of Tamil month Margazhi. Crops like rice, sugarcane, turmeric, etc are harvested during this month. The term Pongal in Tamil means “to boil” and it is the only Hindu festival which follows a solar calendar. In this four-day festival, special offerings are made to the sun God, Indra, to bestow good harvest.
People also regard Pongal as highly auspicious as it marks the beginning of Uttarayan – the journey of the sun towards northwards. During this festival, families get together and exchange gifts. In the northern part of India, the harvest festival is known as Makar Sankranti which also takes place around the same time. In Punjab, the harvest festival is known as Lohri.
The first day of Pongal is known as Bhogi Pongal. It is celebrated to worship Lord Indra who bestows good harvest. On this day, people discard their old clothes and wear new clothes. The second day of the Pongal festival is known Thai Pongal. This day is dedicated to honor the sun God, Surya. The third day of Pongal is known as Mattu Pongal. On this day, animals that are used for agricultural purposes are honored. The final day of Pongal is known as Kaanum Pongal. On this day the family members visit each other and exchange gifts.