Pongal Festival - পোঙ্গল

 Pongal is a traditional harvest festival celebrated in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, as well as in other parts of South India. It is celebrated to mark the beginning of the harvest season and is typically observed in the month of January or February, depending on the full moon day of the Tamil month Thai. The festival is a four-day-long celebration and is one of the most important festivals in the Tamil calendar.


The first day of Pongal is called Bhogi Pongal, on this day people discard old possessions and clean their homes to welcome the new harvest. People also light bonfires to burn old clothes, furniture, and other household items that are no longer needed. This is done as a symbol of letting go of the past and welcoming the new.


The second day is called Surya Pongal, which is dedicated to the worship of the sun god Surya. On this day, people prepare a sweet dish called Pongal, which is made from rice, lentils, and jaggery. This dish is offered to the sun god as a symbol of gratitude for the bountiful harvest. The third day is called Mattu Pongal, which is dedicated to the worship of cows, which are considered sacred in Hinduism. On this day, people decorate and worship their cows, and also participate in bull-taming competitions called Jallikattu.


The final day of Pongal is called Kaanum Pongal, which is a day for families to come together and celebrate. On this day, people visit relatives and friends, exchange sweets, and enjoy traditional games and dances.


Pongal is not only a celebration of the harvest but also a celebration of the bond between nature and humans. It serves as a reminder of the importance of being grateful for the blessings of nature and the need to preserve it for future generations. It is a time for people to come together and celebrate the abundance and prosperity that the harvest brings.


In recent years, Pongal has also gained popularity among non-Tamil people in India, and even abroad. It is an opportunity for people to learn about the culture and traditions of Tamil Nadu and to participate in the celebrations.


In conclusion, Pongal is a traditional harvest festival celebrated in South India, specifically in Tamil Nadu. It is a four-day-long celebration that is dedicated to the worship of nature, the sun god, and the cows. It is a time for families to come together, exchange sweets, and enjoy traditional games and dances. It is also an opportunity for people to learn about the culture and traditions of Tamil Nadu and to participate in the celebrations.


*If I have written something wrong, please give a chance to correct it. Please share your opinion through the comment box below. *

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

HISTORY OF BENGAL AND BENGALIS

 Bengal , a region located in the northeastern part of the Indian subcontinent, has a rich and diverse history that has shaped the cultural identity of its inhabitants, the Bengalis. The region has undergone significant political and cultural changes over the centuries, from being a part of various empires to being divided into two separate states – East Bengal (present-day Bangladesh) and West Bengal (present-day India). This essay will delve into the history of Bengal and the Bengalis, highlighting the major events, cultural developments, and political changes that have shaped the region and its people. *      The earliest known inhabitants of Bengal were the Austroasiatic and Tibeto-Burman speaking tribes. They were later joined by the Dravidian-speaking tribes, who migrated from the south of India. The region was ruled by various indigenous kingdoms and tribes until the arrival of the Mauryas in the 3rd century BCE. The Mauryas established their rule over Bengal and brought stabili
Read more

Saraswati Puja - সরস্বতী পূজা

 Saraswati Puja is a Hindu festival that is celebrated in honor of the goddess of knowledge and wisdom, Saraswati. This festival is usually observed in the month of January or February and is celebrated by students, scholars and educators. The celebration of this festival is considered to be one of the most important festivals in Hinduism and is celebrated with great devotion and reverence. The goddess Saraswati is considered to be the embodiment of knowledge, wisdom, and learning. She is also considered to be the goddess of music, art, and culture. On the day of the puja, people dress up in traditional attire and visit temples to offer prayers and seek blessings from the goddess. They also perform aarti and offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the goddess. The main ritual of the puja is the worship of the goddess's statue or idol, which is usually made of white marble or wood. The statue is decorated with flowers, garlands, and clothes. Incense and camphor is lit, and the idol is
Read more

BENGAL

 Bengal is a region located in the northeastern part of the Indian subcontinent and is comprised of the Indian state of West Bengal and the country of Bangladesh. The region has a rich history, culture, and diverse population that has made it a unique and important area in South Asia. The history of Bengal can be traced back to the ancient times, with the region being a major center of civilization and trade in the past. The ancient kingdom of Magadha, which was located in present-day Bihar, played a significant role in the development of the region. The Maurya Empire, which was established in the 3rd century BCE, also had a significant influence on the region, and the famous emperor Ashoka, who was a follower of Buddhism, was from Magadha. The Mauryan empire was the first empire to unify most of the Indian subcontinent under one rule and Ashoka the Great was responsible for spreading Buddhism across the Indian subcontinent. Bengal was also an important center of Buddhism, with the fam
Read more