We in India, have a list of festival of harvest being celebrated. The Pongal, which is also the name of one of the foods is another name in the list of festivals.
The festival Pongal, is celebrated in Tamil Nadu state of South India. It is the festival of gratitude for the bounty in harvest.
It is stated that, the term “Pongal” refers to the overflowing of rice in a pot, symbolising abundance and prosperity. The festival also holds cultural and social significance, as it brings families and communities together.
During Pongal, people clean their homes, decorate them with kolam (rangoli) designs, and engage in traditional activities that showcase their appreciation for nature’s bounty and the agricultural way of life. A special dish named “Pongal,” made from newly harvested rice, milk, and jaggery is a must in the list for the day. Traditional rituals, decorations, and cultural events are also part of the celebration. It is also a time for families to come together and offer prayers.
There are no evidences or records on who was the first to begin with Pongal festival but the deep rooted agrarian tradition of Tamil Nadu is the base for it’s origin, says history.