It is true that our country is progressing and in spite of
urbanization, the traditions and customs attached to the harvest
festival of Pongal has not changed. Though the way of celebration has
changed but the traditions and customs attached to it is still intact.
The way we celebrate the festivals, for instance varies with the time
and place. The festival of Pongal captures the quintessence of south
Indian culture in all its entirety and traditional practices and customs
continue to hold their own even today. The new crop, which is harvested
is cooked and offered to the God. The festival is celebrated for four
days. The various customs and traditions attached with the harvest
festival are as follows:
The first day of Pongal known as 'Bhogi Pongal' is a day for family
gathering and is dedicated to Lord Indra, the king of the Gods and God
of the Clouds and Rains. Offerings are made to him to please him so that
he blesses good harvest. It is also marks the beginning of the New Year
according to the Malayalam calendar and before sunrise, a huge bonfire
of useless things in home is lit that is kept burning throughout the
night. The houses are cleaned and painted and are decorated with Kolams
painted using rice four. The harvest of rice, turmeric and sugarcane is
brought in for next day. The second day of Pongal known as 'Surya
Pongal' is dedicated to the Sun God. Special dish are cooked on this day
in a new mud-pot that comes in innovative shapes and have artistic
designs on them called 'Pongapani'. A colorful sugarcane market is also
set up on this day. The special dish is called 'Sarkkarai Pongal' and is
offered to Sun God with sugarcane sticks. The third day of the festival
is known as 'Mattu Pongal' and is dedicated to the cattle as cowherds
and shepherds pay thanks to their cows and bulls. Cattle races are
conducted and in the game called 'Manji Virattu' groups of young men
chase running bulls. Bull fights called 'Jallikattu' are also arranged
at some places. Lord Ganesha and Goddess Parvati are also worshipped on
this day. At some other places, this day is celebrated as Kanu Pongal
when girls feed colored balls of cooked rice to the birds and crows and
pray for their brothers' happiness and that they always remember them.
The fourth day is known as Kaanum Pongal. On this day, people travel to
see their family members and relatives. On this day, the younger members
of the family pay homage to the elders, and the elders thank them by
giving token money.
