In this article, we will provide you with some
interesting legends of Pongal festival, which will enable you to explore
the Pongal history. The origin & history of Pongal can be dated back
to the times of Sangam Age i.e. from 200 B.C. to 300 A.D. The Sanskrit
Puranas also contain mentions of Pongal. Initially Pongal festival was
celebrated as a Dravidian Harvest festival. Read further to explore the
Pongal story.
As a part of Pongal festivity customs, people observed 'Pavai Nonbu',
one of the most prominent festive occasions that took place during the
rule of Pallavas. Celebrated in the Tamil month of Margazhi, this
festivity was initiated by young girls who offered prayers to the God
for sending rain, thereby paving way for bringing prosperity for people.
Throughout the month of this festivity, they did not consume milk or any
milk products. They did not oil their hair during this period. All these
traditions led to the celebration of the Pongal festivity of today.
Legends of Pongal festival
Story of Lord Shiva
Once it happened that, Lord Shiva asked his bull named Basava to visit
the earth and meet the human beings. He was asked to convey the message
that, the humans must take an oil massage and bath on a daily basis and
as far as eating is concerned, they can eat only once in a month.
By mistake, the bull wrongly conveyed to the people that, they must eat
everyday and as far as oil massage and bathing is concerned, it must be
done only once in a month. This act of Basana made Lord Shiva very
furious. As a result, Lord Shiva punished him to live on the earth
forever and help people in ploughing the fields and growing more food.
Story of Lord Indra
Once it happened that, Lord Krishna in the days of his childhood,
decided to teach Lord Indra a lesson, as he had become a bit too
arrogant after having become the king of all deities. Lord Krishna went
to meet the cowherds and told them to stop worshipping Lord Indra. This
made Lord Indra enraged and he brought about a major thunderstorm along
with rains that continued for three consecutive days. Seeing this
calamity, people went to Lord Krishna with cries of help. Then, Lord
Krishna lifted the mountain Govardhan and that too with a single finger.
This incident made Lord Indra realize his mistake.
