What is Pongal?
Pongal
is the only festival of Hindu that follows a solar calendar and is celebrated
on the fourteenth of January every year.
Pongal has astronomical significance: it marks
the beginning of Uttarayana, the Sun's movement northward for a six month
period. In Hinduism, Uttarayana is considered auspicious, as opposed to
Dakshinaayana, or the southern movement of the sun. All important events are
scheduled during this period. Makara Sankranthi refers to the event of the Sun entering the zodiac sign of
Makara or Capricorn.
In Hindu temples
bells, drums, clarinets and conch shells herald the joyous occasion of Pongal.
To symbolize a bountiful harvest, rice is
cooked in new pots until they boil over. Some of the rituals performed in the
temple include the preparation of rice, the chanting of prayers and the
offering of vegetables, sugar cane and spices to the gods. Devotees then
consume the offerings to exonerate themselves of past sins.
Pongal
signals the end of the traditional farming season, giving farmers a break from
their monotonous routine. Farmers also perform puja to some crops, signaling
the end of the traditional farming season. It also sets the pace for a series
of festivals to follow in a calendar year. In fact, four festivals are
celebrated in Tamil Nadu for four consecutive days in that week. 'Bogi' is celebrated on January 13, 'Pongal' on Jan 14, 'Maattuppongal' on Jan 15, and 'Thiruvalluvar Day' on Jan 16.