FIRST DAY

 

The day before festivities begin, Hindus thoroughly clearly their homes to discard unwanted things. It is done to clear away negative energy and it brings happiness and harmonies into the home.

 

 

  SECOND DAY

 

The second day describes the most precious day of the four day festival. On that day, Hindus use coloured rice flour to draw patterns on the floor called kolam or rangoli. Hindus will pray to surya, the sun with offering of freshly harvested sugarcane during festivals. The main event happens at sunrise when everyone gathers in  a gaily decorated compound. Wherby freshly harvested rice is cooked with milk in a new pot. The moment the milk boils once, all will shout,”Pongalo pongal”. It is known as sakkarai pongal (sugar rice). Pongal cooked in the pot, is offered to mother Earth as a gesture of gratitude and to all creatures and nature spirits. The remaining pongal is eaten by family members. On this auspicious day, Hindus wear new clothes and family members visit one another and enjoying the feasts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THIRD DAY

 

The third day of the festive season is a day to show gratitude to cows for giving  milk in abundance. On the day , multi coloured beads, tinkling bells, sheaves of corn and flower garlands are tied around the neck of the cattle and then the cattle is worshipped. They are fed with sweet rice and sugar cane.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOURTH DAY 

 

On the fourth day, Hindus pray to their ancestors and wild life are venerated. It is a day for outing and family visit. On the day, young girls and women receive blessing from older women for happiness and prosperity. Youth honor their elders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Therefore, pongal festival is related with farmers lifestyle during the harvesting month. The tradition of celebrating pongal becomes a part of the Hindus culture and tradition of farmers.