The celebration of the Pongal festivity continues for
four consecutive days. The festival usually falls in the month of
Shravan. It is basically a harvest festival that is celebrated with
fervor and gaiety by the people in the Southern states of India. The
harvest festival of Pongal witnesses a lot of activities. Infact, the
entire South India comes alive, when it's the time for Pongal
celebrations.
Four days of Pongal
Day 1: Bogi Pongal
The first day marks the beginning of a fresh start. Therefore, on this
day, all the old items are discarded and thrown away.
Day 2: Surya Pongal
The term Pongal means boiling over. The second day begins with the
boiling of fresh milk to an extent that it crosses the boundary of the
vessel. This is one of the main traditions of the Pongal festivity.
Delicious sweets are prepared for the near and dear ones. People visit
the homes of their friends and relatives and exchange greetings.
Day 3: Mattu pongal
It is a day of thanking the cows and buffaloes, as they have a major
role to play in the harvesting of crops. Had they not been there, it
wouldn't have been possible to plough the lands. The third day witnesses
the hosting of a violent bull taming contest that is more commonly
referred to as Jallikattu.
Day 4: Kaanum Pongal
This is the most happening day. Known as Kaanum Pongal, the fourth day
is meant for partying and freaking out with friends and relatives.
People go on family picnics, eat sugarcanes and embellish their houses
with beautiful Kolams.
