Pongal: The Thanksgiving Festival

Pongal is a popular Indian festival which is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Pongal is also the name of the special dish prepared during the festival.

It is an important four-day festival in south India, especially Tamil Nadu. On this day, people thank the Sun, the Earth and their cattle for helping them live a prosperous life.

Image source: upload.wikimedia.org

The First Day: Bhogi
The first day of the festival marks the beginning of a new cycle. People get rid of unwanted things in their house. In short, the first day calls for a fresh beginning.

The Second Day: Perum
The second day is also known as Surya Pongal. It is the most important day of the festival. On this day, people worship the Sun. People decorate their house and wear new clothes.

The Third Day: Mattu Pongal
Mattu Pongal is all about worshipping cattle. People believe that cattle help in yielding a good harvest.

The Fourth Day: Kanum Pongal
Kanum Pongal is all about spending quality time with your family and relatives. People go out and meet their friends and relatives. 

Pratibha Yadav