subject: Colorful Kerala Pongal Festival [print this page] Kerala occupies a prized place when we talk about India Tourism.Steeped in gorgeous greenery, this state offers wondrous attractions. If you wish to get acquainted with the rich cultural heritage of this land, then participate in its festivals. Pongal is the most popular festival of Kerala which is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It is a harvest festival celebrated in honor of Mother Nature, Sun God, Rain God and Cattle. Held in mid January for four days, this festival reflects the sense of gratitude of the people of Kerala. This festival revolves around harvest, feast, forging healthy bonds, plants, animals and cleanliness. During the festival several traditional rituals are performed. People clean their houses, make delicious sweets, wear new clothes, decorated their house entrance with colorful rangoli and worship God and cattle. The history of this festival goes back to the days of Medieval Chola Empire.
The Pongal Series encompasses:
The First Day: Bhogi Pongal
The first day of the festival is knaown as Bhogi Pongal. On this day Lord Indra( the God of rain) is thanked for blessing the land with rain which leads to good harvest. People clean the houses and remove all the waste products lying around in their houses.
The Second Day: Surya Pongal
This day is marked by worshipping the Sun God. The God is thanked by offering milk and jaggery. On this day new rice is mixed with milk and jaggery and is cooked until the mixture of rice and milk flows out of the pot. The overflowing of rice is considered as a symbol of wonderful farming season. Then it is offered to the God. Apart from this several other dishes are made on this day.
The Third Day: Mattu Pongal
This day of Pongal is especially for the cattle. The cattle like bulls, cows and other farm animals are bathed and groomed nicely and then they are worshipped. They are thanked for their contribution in agriculture.
The Fourth Day: Kaanum Pongal
This is the day of exchanging greeting and sweets with relatives and friends. It is the time for the family to get- together and celebration. Rangolis are made which symbolizes prosperity.
Colorful Kerala Pongal Festival
By: Manish Sinha
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