PONGAL
Introduction:
Pongal, also known as Thai Pongal, is a vibrant Dravidian harvest festival celebrated by Dravidians. Held in the month of Thai (January), it's a multi-day event honoring the Sun God, Surya. Pongal usually falls on January 14 or 15, marking the end of winter solstice and the start of the sun's journey northwards.
Significance and History:
The word "Pongal" is a combination of "Thai" (tenth month in the Tamil calendar) and "pongu," meaning "boiling over." It also refers to a special dish made from newly harvested rice, milk, and jaggery. The festival has deep historical roots, mentioned in texts and inscriptions dating back to the Chola period.
Celebration and Traditions:
Pongal spans three or four days, featuring Bhogi, Surya Pongal, Maatu Pongal, and Kanum Pongal. On Bhogi, people discard old belongings, symbolizing a fresh start. Surya Pongal is the main day, where families prepare the traditional Pongal dish, offer prayers, and celebrate with new clothes. Maatu Pongal is dedicated to cattle, with colorful processions and special treats. Kanum Pongal marks the end of festivities with family reunions and social gatherings.
Cuisine:
Central to Pongal is the dish named after the festival, prepared by boiling freshly harvested rice in cow milk and raw cane sugar. It includes ingredients like coconut, ghee, cardamom, raisins, and cashews. The cooking is done in a clay pot, symbolizing the transformation of agriculture into nourishment for the gods and the community.
Contemporary Practices:
Today, Pongal is not just a religious festival but also a social celebration. Temples and cultural centers organize events, including traditional cooking of Pongal, fairs, and community sports. In some regions like Kerala and Karnataka, similar celebrations take place with variations in dishes and customs.
Conclusion:
Pongal is a joyous occasion that bridges tradition with contemporary celebrations. It is a time for gratitude towards nature, the Sun God, and the community. With its rich history and vibrant traditions, Pongal continues to be a significant cultural marker for Dravidians, both in India and across the world.
SANKRANTI :
The festival of Sankranti is an exuberant four-day celebration in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, each day marked by unique traditions and rituals.
Day 1 - Bhogi:
The festivities commence with Bhogi, a day that involves a symbolic bonfire where households burn logs, solid fuels, and unused wooden furniture. This act signifies the discarding of the old and welcoming the new. In the evening, Bhogi Pallu, a ceremony, takes place where fruits of the harvest, like regi pallu and sugarcane, are collected along with seasonal flowers. An interesting tradition during this time is the pouring of money and treats over children, who joyfully collect the offerings.
Day 2 - Sankranti:
The second day, Sankranti, takes center stage as the main event. Dedicated to the god Surya, it marks the beginning of Uttarayana, the period when the sun enters the 10th house of the zodiac, known as Makara. In Andhra Pradesh, this day is affectionately called Pedda Panduga, meaning "Big Festival." An integral part of the celebration is the offering of Ariselu, a traditional sweet dish, to the deity.
Day 3 - Kanuma:
On the third day, Kanuma, the focus shifts to the welfare of cattle and other domestic animals. Cows, in particular, are adorned, offered bananas, a special meal, and worshipped for their contributions to agriculture and daily life. Additionally, the popular community sport Kodi Pandem is played, especially in the Coastal Andhra region, adding a lively touch to the festivities.
Day 4 - Mukkanuma:
The concluding day, Mukkanuma, is a time for family reunions. It provides an opportunity for relatives and friends to come together, share moments of joy, and strengthen social bonds. The festival wraps up with a sense of togetherness and the warmth of shared celebrations.