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CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
Pongal, also known as Bhogi Pongal, is a colorful and auspicious harvesting celebration observed throughout India. This four-day celebration is extremely important in the southern state of Tamil Nadu because it marks the beginning of Uttarayan, which symbolizes the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season.
Dates Of The Pongal Festival
Pongal occurs every year in January, during the Tai month of the Tamil Solar calendar, and this year it begins on January 15 and runs through January 18. The festival honors the Sun God, Lord Surya, and is known by many names in different parts of India: Magh Bihu in Assam, Lohri in Punjab, and Makar Sankranti in the north.
Four Days Of Celebration
Pongal is a four-day holiday with different meanings for each day. On the first day, Bhogi Pongal is celebrated, followed by Surya Pongal on January 16, Mattu Pongal on January 17, and Kannam Pongal on January 18.
Traditions And Rituals
- Bhogi Pongal (15th of January)
The lighting of bonfires symbolizes the burning away of negativity and the welcoming of new beginnings during Bhogi Pongal. Homes are well cleaned and embellished with flowers, diyas, lights, and Kolam. The day also includes the traditional Pongal dish, which is cooked with freshly harvested crops, milk, and jaggery.
- Surya Pongal (16 January)
The second day, dedicated to Lord Surya, begins with prayers at sunrise, followed by appreciation for the Sun God's favors and the preparation of Pongal as a sacrifice.
- Mattu Pongal (17 January)
This day is dedicated to the worship of cattle, which are revered in the culture. Special offerings are offered and cows are decked with bells, beads, and flower garlands. Farmers are likewise recognized for their dedication and hard work.
- Kannam Pongal (18 January)
On the last day, families gather to share love, laughing, and warmth. People visit family, give gifts, play traditional games, and express gratitude for nature's benefits.
Other Traditions
Making Kolams to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, removing old goods, adorning the puja house, cooking food in clay pots, and stringing manjal kothu around the pot are all related with Pongal. Traditional garb is worn by men in kurta, dhoti, and angavastram, and women in silk sarees.
Culmination With Pongal Dish
In the end, Pongal is all about rice, and the highlight of the holiday is creating the Pongal dish. Sakkarai Pongal, the sweet variety, is cooked with rice, moong dal, ghee, cashew nuts, raisins, and jaggery. Ven Pongal, the spicy variation, is made with ghee and spices such as pepper and cumin.
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