In South India Sankranti becomes Pongal.It is celebration of the harvest, which is observed for three days in Gregorian month January.Bhogi Pongal ,Surya Pongal and Mattu Pongal are the three days of Pongal Festivities on successive days.Bhogi is celebrated on January 13th, Pongal on the 14th January, Mattu Pongal on 15th and Thiruvalluvar Day or Kanya Pongal(Kannam Pongal) on January 16th.It is certain parts cattle races still enliven the village festivities.Pongal is a colorful and traditional festival with many a ceremony devoted to various deities.Pongal is an important festival in India, it is known as Sankranti.Sun God is worshiped on this festival as the Sun helps in the growth of the paddy and other plantations. The houses are cleaned, and all maintenance jobs are done before this festival. During the three-day festival, different varieties of Rangoli are drawn in front of the houses early in the morning.
Bhogi Pongal : On the first day known as Bhogi, people clean their homes thoroughly and in the evening, all unwanted goods are lit in a bonfire.Bhogi is one of the names of Lord Indra,the rain God.'Bhogi' means a person who enjoys all the pleasure of life.On this day,prayers are said to thank Indra for all the rain he provides to the crops.The day begin with an oil bath( seasame oil is usally used). There is Bhogi, during which houses are cleaned, decorated, and in a way re-consecrated for the new year, using materials like mango leaves and the first cut of paddy to enhance the vibrance in the house.
Perum Pongal or Surya(Sun) Pongal : The next day is Surya Pongal,which is honour of the sun God.The sun is our main source of energy.The day is known as Perum Pongal and Thai Pongal.As per the ritual rice are boiled with the milk outdoor in an earthen pot which is offered to lord Sun. People wear traditional clothes and sing and dance in the praise of God.
Mattu Pongal: The third day of the celebration is known as "Mattu Pongal". As farmers cultivate their lands are depend on cattle, so they honored and worshiped by the farmers on this day.Mattu Pongal, is meant to offer thanks to the cows and buffaloes, as they are used to plough the lands. Jallikattu, a violent taming the bull contest, marks this day.
Kaanum Pongal: The fourth and final day and the last day of the festival is known as Kannum Pongal and Kanya Pongal.On this day, lord Ganesha and Goddess Parvati are worshiped. This is a time for re-union of friends and families. The younger people seek blessings of the elders.A ritual is performed where the leftover sweet Pongal and other food are set out in the courtyard on a washed turmeric leaf, along with betel leaves, betel nuts and sugar cane.
Bhogi Pongal : On the first day known as Bhogi, people clean their homes thoroughly and in the evening, all unwanted goods are lit in a bonfire.Bhogi is one of the names of Lord Indra,the rain God.'Bhogi' means a person who enjoys all the pleasure of life.On this day,prayers are said to thank Indra for all the rain he provides to the crops.The day begin with an oil bath( seasame oil is usally used). There is Bhogi, during which houses are cleaned, decorated, and in a way re-consecrated for the new year, using materials like mango leaves and the first cut of paddy to enhance the vibrance in the house.
Perum Pongal or Surya(Sun) Pongal : The next day is Surya Pongal,which is honour of the sun God.The sun is our main source of energy.The day is known as Perum Pongal and Thai Pongal.As per the ritual rice are boiled with the milk outdoor in an earthen pot which is offered to lord Sun. People wear traditional clothes and sing and dance in the praise of God.
Mattu Pongal: The third day of the celebration is known as "Mattu Pongal". As farmers cultivate their lands are depend on cattle, so they honored and worshiped by the farmers on this day.Mattu Pongal, is meant to offer thanks to the cows and buffaloes, as they are used to plough the lands. Jallikattu, a violent taming the bull contest, marks this day.
Kaanum Pongal: The fourth and final day and the last day of the festival is known as Kannum Pongal and Kanya Pongal.On this day, lord Ganesha and Goddess Parvati are worshiped. This is a time for re-union of friends and families. The younger people seek blessings of the elders.A ritual is performed where the leftover sweet Pongal and other food are set out in the courtyard on a washed turmeric leaf, along with betel leaves, betel nuts and sugar cane.
