Pongal History
Pongal is a holiday of goodwill observed throughout Southern India. The word “Pongal” comes from Tamil literature and means “to stew” in its literal sense. A meal made with rice and named Pongal is also cooked for this holiday. It essentially celebrates the harvest and is the only holiday that uses the solar calendar. Every year on January 14th, this festival is held. Pongal signifies the beginning of the sun’s six-month journey toward the north. Compared to the sun’s Southern travel, it is said to be exceedingly lucky. The term Makar Sankranti refers to the occasion when the sun enters the Capricorn zodiac sign (Makar).
Why do We Celebrate Pongal?
Pongal is a very old event that dates back to the Sangam Period, between 200 B.C. and 300 A.D. The Sanskrit Puranas make reference to the holiday of Pongal, which was observed throughout the Dravidian era. Even yet, some historians link it to the festivities observed throughout the Sangam era. Some historians claim that during the Sangam era,
Thai Niradal was used to celebrate Pongal. It is also thought that at this time, single girls fasted and performed penance in order to pray for the country’s agricultural prosperity. These young, single girls would fast as well because they thought it would ensure a good crop, a lot of wealth, and prosperity for the nation in the coming year. Every festival in India has a legend, significance, or myth associated with it. There are numerous legends associated with Pongal, but the two below are the most well-known.
Initial legend
It is said that Lord Shiva once commanded his bull, Basava, to come down to earth and order the people to take a bath every day, get an oil massage once a month, and not eat. Basava made the erroneous recommendation that everyone take an oil bath once a day and eat every day. Due to Lord Shiva’s great rage, Basava was banished to the soil for all time. To help the people, he would have to help the population here on Earth increase food production.
Another legend
The characters in this myth are Lord Krishna and Lord Indra. Legend has it that as a young child, Lord Krishna made the decision to discipline Lord Indra, who had grown haughty since becoming the ruler of all gods. When he commanded all the cow herders to stop worshipping Lord Indra, Lord Krishna enraged the god.
3rd Maatu Pongal
On this holiday, prayers are made to the cattle, including bulls, cows, and other farm animals utilized in agriculture. The third day of Pongal is recognized as Maatu Pongal. Cattle are given a bath, have their horns painted, and have flower garlands, bunches of corn, and multicolored beads strung around their necks. Touching their feet in reverence, you should also give them Pongal to eat.
The forth day of Kaanum Pongal
The final day of Pongal is Kaanum Pongal, which falls on the fourth day. Thiruvalluvar Day is another name for the day. Literally translated as “to observe,” “Kaanum” is the occasion for visiting relatives and exchanging presents. While younger generations show respect and devotion to the elders, the elders bless them by giving them money. Additionally, some individuals give cooked rice to birds. Pongal is a four-day harvest festival that is wildly celebrated in Tamil Nadu.
How do you celebrate Pongal?
Hindu mythology and astrology regard this event as a very auspicious occasion because it symbolizes the day that God awakens after a six-month-long night. Three days are dedicated to celebrating this holiday. A particular puja is performed by cutting on the paddy to commemorate the first day. Sandalwood paste is applied on the farmers’ sickles and plows as a kind of respect for the sun and the earth.
There is a distinct festival on each of the three days. Bhogi Pongal, or the first day, is a day to spend with your family. The second day is devoted to Surya, also known as Surya Pongal, the Sun God. Boiling milk sweetened with jaggery is offered to the Sun God on this day. The third day, sometimes referred to as Mattu Pongal, is the day when cows, or Mattu, are worshipped. The horns of cattle are painted with vibrant colors and garlanded with flowers after they have been cleaned and disinfected. Later, the cattle and birds are given the Pongal that was originally sacrificed to the gods.
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