Why Pongal is Called the Harvest Festival of Tamil Nadu?: Pongal is celebrated with great fervour in Tamil Nadu as a tribute to nature and its abundant harvest. This festival marks the beginning of the harvest season, bringing joy to farmers and communities across the state. Pongal falls in mid-January and coincides with the Tamil month of Thai, representing new beginnings and prosperity. Farmers extend their gratitude for the abundant crops by offering prayers to Sun God and by making traditional dishes. This year’s Pongal celebration will begin from January 14, 2025 and will go on till January 17.
Historical Reasons Pongal Became Tamil Nadu’s Harvest Festival
The significance of Pongal is to thank nature, particularly the Sun God, for a successful harvest. Farmers extend their gratitude for the abundant crops that support their livelihoods. The festival is celebrated for four days: Bhogi, Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Kaanum Pongal, each of the four days has its unique significance and rituals. Homes are cleaned during this festival and a special dish ‘Pongal ‘which is made of freshly harvested rice is made.
Modern-Day Celebrations of Pongal as Tamil Nadu’s Harvest Festival
Pongal is more than a festival of crops; it is considered to be a cultural cornerstone. Families come together and decorate their homes with kolam (rangoli), share meals with each other and offer prayers. Cattle play a very crucial role in farming and this is why it is included in Mattu Pongal. On the day of Kaanum Pongal, people socialize with their family and friends.
This joyous festival showcases Tamil Nadu’s deep connection with agriculture, making Pongal a tradition of thanking Mother nature.
Pongal festival is also celebrated with other harvest festivals such as Bihu and Makar Sankranti that are observed in different parts of the country. This Indian festival is celebrated by the South Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
