Pongal Festival (Harvest Festival)
Pongal is a harvest festival, celebrated by the people belonging to Hindu faith. On this occasion, people thanks the Sun God for abundant agricultural crops. The festival is most popular in the state of Tamil Nadu in India and in Srilanka. The harvest festival corresponds to the celebration of Makar Sankranti. Generally , the festival of Pongal and Lohri are celebrated on the same day. Pongal is a Tamil word means which means ‘overflowing’. This festival signifies good wishes, wealth, abundance and prosperity. Celebration and Rituals: Pongal Festival is celebrated for four days. The four days of the Pongal festival are known as Bhogi, Surya, Mattu and Kaanum. Day 1 – Bhogi Pongal: It is celebrated on the first day of the festival. The houses are cleaned and old items are discarded. Day 2 – Surya Pongal: Surya Pongal, also known as Thai Pongal, is celebrated on the second day of the festival. This day is devoted to Surya Dev (...