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Pongal is a conventional harvest competition celebrated in South India, primarily in Tamil Nadu. It’s noticed within the month of Thai in response to the Tamil photo voltaic calendar and often falls on January 14 or 15. The competition is devoted to Lord Surya Narayan, the Solar God, and is related to crop harvesting. In northern India, the competition is called Makar Sankranti.
The four-day competition is marked by a number of customs and rituals, together with the giving of milk rice to the Solar deity and the well-known bull-taming sport of Jallikattu. The competition is well known over 4 days with Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal, noticed on consecutive days. In 2024, the Pongal competition will start on January 15 – also called Makar Sankranti in North India – and finish on January 18.
Pongal 2024: Historical past And Significance
Pongal is thought to have its origins within the Sangam Interval (200 BC–300 AD) and plenty of imagine that the outdated competition was even celebrated in the course of the time of the Chola Empire.
In keeping with Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva despatched his bull Nandi to earth to request the mortals to have a meal as soon as a month, and an oil therapeutic massage and a shower day by day. Nevertheless, Nandi suggested everybody to take an oil bathtub as soon as a month and have a meal each day. Lord Shiva was livid with the mix-up and Nandi was condemned to stay eternally on earth. He’ll principally be accountable for plough work and aiding others in growing meals manufacturing, Shiva declared. So today is well known for harvesting crops and cattle to make sure higher produce.
The Pongal celebrations are fairly treasured to Tamilians. This month is called Thai month, and the folks of Tamil Nadu imagine that it brings constructive change to their lives and helps them overcome their issues. That is the time of 12 months when crops like sugarcane, turmeric, and rice are harvested. This month is considered auspicious for marriages, engagements, and all spiritual and religious actions.
4 Days Of Pongal
Day 1:
Bhogi Pongal: As a part of the Bhogi competition, the primary day of the celebration, which falls on January 15 this 12 months, is devoted to honouring Lord Indra. As a result of he’s credited with bringing prosperity to the land, Lord Indra is revered because the rain God. It’s also referred to as Bhogi Mantalu as a result of, on today, folks burn their undesirable home items in a blaze composed of wooden and muffins of cow dung. The females carry out dances across the bonfire and sing songs in reward of God. Throughout the winter solstice, a bonfire is lit to remain heat.
Additionally Learn: Joyful Makar Sankranti 2024: Needs, Greetings, WhatsApp Messages To Share With Buddies And Household
Day 2:
Surya Pongal: The second day of the Pongal celebration, which falls on January 16, is the principle day, referred to as Surya Pongal (or Thai Pongal). To start the day, recent milk is boiled till it reaches the vessel’s edge. One of many major customs of the Pongal vacation, it’s believed to convey prosperity. Tamil Nadu residents put together the standard candy dish “Pongal” on today utilizing rice, milk, and jaggery. That is supplied as prasad to the deity. To carry out the ceremony collectively, girls from varied areas of Tamil Nadu assemble at a particular website. Bananas, coconuts, and sugarcane are among the many extra choices made to the Solar god.
Day 3:
Mattu Pongal: The third day of Pongal, referred to as Mattu Pongal, is dedicated to cow worship and this 12 months, it falls on January 17. On today, agricultural animals like cows and oxen are honoured since they assist farmers successfully increase and harvest their crops. For Mattu Pongal, livestock are artistically embellished after being bathed. When “Pongal” is supplied for cows and oxen, their horns are sometimes painted and garlanded. Bullfights additionally known as Jallikattu, are organised on today. The bull-taming sport is well-known within the Madurai space of Tamil Nadu.
Day 4:
Kaanum Pongal: Kaanum or Knau Pongal, which falls on January 18, is the fourth and final day of Pongal. There are a number of areas of Tamil Nadu the place Kaanum Pongal is also called Karinaal. Folks provide Sarkarai Pongal and meals as sacrifices to the Solar God on today. Sugarcane is consecrated to the deity and traded amongst people to symbolise sweetness and pleasure in life. Folks journey to see shut ones and far-off acquaintances at Kaanum Pongal. Folks carry out native dances and sing conventional melodies throughout Kaanum Pongal.
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