Celebrating a new life

Hi to all,

This is my first post. There is a saying that reading makes you a man, while writing makes you a complete man. This thought inspired me to write something.

Today was the second day of Pongal, which is a much celebrated four-day long harvest festival of South India, particularly Tamilnadu. Pongal falls in mid-January every year and marks the auspicious beginning of Uttarayan - sun's journey northwards. This festival shows a gratitude towards nature.

The literal meaning of Pongal is "Spilling over" and it is named so because of the tradition of boiling of the rice in a pot till it starts spilling over. People also celebrate by making traditional design known as "Kolams" with rice powder. This powder is available in white and various other colors. The Kolams are drawn to welcome Goddess Laxmi, who is believed to bring wealth, prosperity and happiness into the household.

Today, I have seen many Kolams painting while having my evening walks. I think, the below painting even describe the meaning of Pongal. It is having a pot of rice which is overflowing.lls in the mid-January every year and marks the auspicious beginning of Uttarayan - sun's journey northwards. Pongal festival lasts for four days.

The four days of Pongal are:

1. Bhogi Pongal: It is dedicated to the god Indra - god of rain. A huge bonfire is lit and kept burning throughout the night while enjoying traditional folk song and dances.
2. Surya Pongal: It is dedicated to the god of Sun. A special harvest dish made of rice, jaggery, turmeric, and lentils is made and brought to boil in mud pots till it spills over. This special dish with sugarcane sticks is called Sakkarai Pongal.
3. Mattu Pongal: This is dedicated to cattle. It gives honor and shows gratitude towards the friends of farmers. Elaborate and colorful garlands and bells are tied around the necks of cows before performing the rituals. The popular cattle race Jallikattu takes place on this day.
4. Kaanum Pongal: Since Pongal is a rural, agrarian-based festival that celebrates the harvests, the sun is a vital part of the proceedings. This is because the Sun is the symbol of life on Earth. Without the Sun, crops cannot sprout and grow. Without the Sun, harvests will not be plentiful. 

 

Wishing you a happy Pongal and Makarsakaranti.