Pongal is a traditional harvest festival celebrated by Tamilians across India. It marks the beginning of the Thai masam (Thai month in Tamil). Celebrations continue over 4-5 days. It usually coincides with Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra and Lohri in Punjab.
On the first day of Pongal, also known as Bhogi Pongal, people clean their homes and decorate it with beautiful, elaborate rice kolams.
Pongal means to 'overflow'. On the second day, freshly harvested rice is cooked in earthen pots and allowed to boil over, signifying abundance and prosperity. A prasad made from rice, milk and jaggery is offered to the Sun God.
On the third day, Mattu Pongal, people honour cows by bathing them and decorating them with colourful beads and flowers. Their horns are painted too. They are fed Pongal and bananas and worshipped. In certain parts of Tamil Nadu, people organise the Jallikattu (bull taming) festival during Pongal.
On the fourth day, Kaanum Pongal, families and community members come together and host elaborate celebrations including outdoor activities like tug of war and uri adi (break the pot).
Happy Pongal!