Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Pongal!

If you were born in India, you will have many reasons to rejoice! Because of the diverse culture here, the entire calendar is jam-packed with festivals. Even if we are not finished with one, the preparation for the next begins.

We have just finished many celebrations and have begun the New Year 2023. Pongal, which occurs in the first month of the year, is essentially the festival that marks the beginning of a joyful year ahead.

Every region of the country has its own traditions, and the Pongal festival is unique to the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. If you are from North India, you are probably unaware of the Pongal 2023 traditions and preparations.

What exactly is Pongal?

Indians have many reasons to celebrate what they do! Pongal is a four-day-long festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu. Pongal, which is celebrated in January or February, has a story to it, just like every other celebration.

Pongal is traditionally celebrated in the month when turmeric, rice, and sugarcane are harvested. This festival is observed to express gratitude to God for the year's harvest. Pongal literally means "to boil," and different names in different parts of the country know it.

Pongal is also the name of a dish eaten as part of the festival celebration. It's basically boiled prepared sweetened rice and lentils.

Pongal 2023 will take place in the month of January. Pongal 2023 will be celebrated on January 15th, 2023, according to the Hindu calendar.

Regardless of its various names, the festival is regarded as an auspicious occasion for beginning new endeavours. It is also thought to be a way of thanking God for the season's harvest.

In Tamil Nadu, the occasion is known as Pongal and is celebrated over four days. Here's how each of these four days is observed, as well as what each of these days is called.

The Bhogi festival is held on the first day of Pongal.
The Bhogi festival, or the first day of Pongal, is held to commemorate Lord Indra, the lord of rain. On this day, a bonfire is built from wood and cow dung cakes, and unused household items are burned.

On the second day of Thai Pongal
On Pongal, milk and rice are boiled together in an earthen pot according to a unique custom. It is also presented to the Sun by tying a turmeric plant to it. On this day, the kolam at the front door is also designed.

On the third day of Mattu Pongal
Pongal is especially celebrated for cows and their holiness. On this day, cows are decorated with garlands, bells, and sheaves of corn before being worshipped.

The fourth day is called Kaanum Pongal.
Pongal has come to an end! On this day, the women of the household perform a unique ritual. The leftover Sweet Pongal is placed on a turmeric leaf in the courtyard according to this ritual.