Ponggal Day

This is an extracted article tho' edited to suit easy reading.

The word Pongal literally means the boiling over of rice in a cooking pot. In southern parts of India and here in Malaysia, it is considered an auspicious activity. Though much is not known about the history and origin of Pongal, it is assumed as a Dravidian harvest festival celebrated from hundreds of years. Its a four day festival in Tamil Nadu, celebrated with extreme zeal and fervor throughout the state. Feasting and celebrations form a vital part of the Pongal celebrations. The celebration of Pongal festival has become global with lots of Tamilians diaspora residing in various part of the world celebrating it concurrently.

Pongal is celebrated in the month of Thai (January) according to the Tamil calendar. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season or spring. The date of the Pongal festival remains the same every year.

According to the Gregorian calendar, the Pongal festival has a fixed date beginning 14 January. As per Tamil calendar, Pongal is celebrated for four continuous days beginning from the last day of Tamil month of Maargazhi (December-January) and lasting up to the third day of Thai. The second of Pongal celebrations is treated as the main Pongal day of Surya Pongal, which marks the beginning of Tamil month of Thai. Eternally, as the festival is related to Sun God, this festival has divinity and wisdom attached to it.

The first day, 14 Januray, the festival starts with the Bhogi Pongal. On this day, the celebrations are limited and within the house. On this day, evil spirits are driven out of the home and the entire home is cleansed and washed. All dirt and waste materials collected are burnt into a bonfire. On the second day, Surya Pongal, a commemoration of the Sun god is done. This is the main day of the celebrations. People wear new clothes and cook food with newly harvested cereals in new pots on new stoves. The third day is Maattu Pongal, which is meant to honour cattle. Pets like cows, buffalo, ox and bullocks are bathed with clean water and worshipped for their contribution in farming and related activities. The festival ends with the fourth day celebrations of Kaanum Pongal.

Pongal 2010
Bhogi Pongal: 14th January.
Surya Pongal: 15th January
Maatu Pongal: 16th January
Kaanum Pongal: 17th January