Pongal

12 Jan 2013 - 15 Jan 2013
Place: Chennai

The festival lasts for about a week. Bhogi, the first day of Pongal starts by getting rid of old clothes by setting them on fire. This act of burning the old shows a method of destruction of evil and all that is bad and beginning the new with everything afresh. The second day is the most significant day of the festival. This day is the first day of the Tamil month of Thai. The second day is also known as Veetu Pongal the rituals involved on this day is boiling rice with fresh milk and jaggery. New pots are used to boil the rice. It is then garnished with brown sugar, cashew nuts and raisins.

The blowing of the conch shell is a significant part of the ritual. This welcomes the New Year and announces prosperity and good fortune. Devotees greet each other by exchanging gifts and sweets.

The third day of the festival, Maattu Pongal is a ritual offering appreciation to the cattle as the cattle aids the farmers in the field and are hence play a significant part in the harvesting of crops. A game known as Jallikattu or taming the wild bull is a special attraction of the day.

The fourth and final day of the Pongal festival is known as Kaanum Festival. Decorating the house with kolam is a part of the day's ritual.