Pongal 2009
Posted on April 28, 2008 in Festivals by Chris
Pongal is known to be one of the most celebrated festivals in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and most predominantly Tamil Nadu. Often celebrated in the month of Thai (January) Pongal 2009 is predicted to fall on January 15th.
Pongal when translated into Indian terminology means overflowing. On the day of the festival, milk is boiled and is made to overflow. This is a symbolic representation of the abundance of blessings which will soon overflow in the devotee’s life and family.
The most popular legend associated with this festival is the one wherein Lord Krishna lifts up the Govardhan Mountain on his tiny little finger, to protect the people from the snares and anger of Lord Indra.
This festival is spread across and is celebrated for four days.
Bhogi- The first day is spent burning away old clothes and objects, denoting the mark of a new beginning.
The second day, people boil milk, allowing it to spill over the vessel. This denotes the arrival of abundance of joy, prosperity and peace. People visit their relatives home and have a good time of celebration.
The third day is marked with the social event Jallikattu – a violent taming of the bull contest. The events of this day underlie the legend which states that Nandi bull, who is worshiped by the Hindus, was accursed and sent to the earth to help out farmers.
Therefore on this day people worship cows and buffaloes. They decorate the animals
and the sweet dish pongal , made out of harvested rice, milk and jaggery is made and eaten by both people and animals.
The fourth day is celebrated by the people by going out on a public outing or a picnic.
Pongal was initially celebrated by people in the rural areas and mostly by the farming community initially. But now this festival is celebrated by one and all. As this festival coincides with lohri and sankranthi, it is often referred to as Pongal Sankranthi.
A festival of joy, celebration and prosperity, Pongal is celebrated in all parts of India.
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