Pongal, a four-day harvest festival originating in Tamil Nadu, is an expression of gratitude to nature for a bountiful harvest. The festival observed in mid-January coincides with the Sun’s journey north and the beginning of the Tamil month of Thai.
On Pongal, devotees prepare the traditional dish ‘Pongal’ by cooking freshly harvested rice with milk and jaggery, symbolizing prosperity and abundance.
Pongal celebrations include Bhogi, Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Kaanum Pongal, each honoring nature, the Sun God, cattle and community bonds.
