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Pongal is a 4-day harvest festival celebrated from January 14–17 (Thai month). Thai Pongal (Day 2) is the main day — cook the Pongal dish at sunrise facing east. The moment the milk boils over the pot is the most auspicious instant, symbolizing abundance overflowing into the new year.
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On the eve of Pongal, discard old and broken items from the house. At dawn, light the Bhogi Mantalu — a bonfire of old wooden furniture, clothes, and dried cow dung cakes. This symbolizes burning away the past and welcoming new beginnings. Women draw elaborate Kolam patterns with rice flour at the entrance. The house is thoroughly cleaned and decorated with mango leaves (torana).
This is the main day. Rise before dawn and bathe. Draw a fresh Kolam with a pot (Pongal Paanai) design at the entrance. Set up the cooking area outdoors facing east. Place the new earthen pot on a brick hearth. Tie the turmeric plant and sugarcane to the pot. Pour milk into the pot and bring it to a boil. When the milk boils over, the family shouts "Pongalo Pongal!" — this is the climactic moment symbolizing overflowing prosperity. Then add rice, jaggery, ghee, cashews, and cardamom to make the sweet Pongal.
Place the cooked Pongal on a banana leaf facing the Sun. Arrange sugarcane, bananas, coconut, turmeric, flowers, and betel leaves around it. Light camphor and incense. Offer prayers to Surya Bhagavan, thanking Him for the harvest and praying for continued prosperity. The whole family participates, wearing new clothes. The Pongal is first offered to Surya, then to Indra (god of rains), and then to the cattle and farm animals.
ॐ सूर्याय नमः ॐ मित्राय नमः ॐ रवये नमः ॐ भानवे नमः ॐ खगाय नमः ॐ पूष्णे नमः ॐ हिरण्यगर्भाय नमः ॐ मरीचये नमः ॐ आदित्याय नमः ॐ सवित्रे नमः ॐ अर्काय नमः ॐ भास्कराय नमः
oṃ sūryāya namaḥ oṃ mitrāya namaḥ oṃ ravaye namaḥ oṃ bhānave namaḥ oṃ khagāya namaḥ oṃ pūṣṇe namaḥ oṃ hiraṇyagarbhāya namaḥ oṃ marīcaye namaḥ oṃ ādityāya namaḥ oṃ savitre namaḥ oṃ arkāya namaḥ oṃ bhāskarāya namaḥ
The twelve names of Surya — salutations to the Sun, the Friend, the Radiant One, the Illuminator, the Sky-mover, the Nourisher, the Golden Womb, the Ray of Light, the Son of Aditi, the Stimulator, the Source of Energy, and the Shining One.
This day honours cattle, especially cows and bulls, who are vital to agriculture. Bathe the cattle and adorn their horns with bright paint, flowers, garlands, and bells. Apply kumkum and sandalwood paste on their foreheads. Feed them Pongal rice, sugarcane, and bananas. Take them in a procession through the village. In some regions, Jallikattu (bull-taming sport) is held on this day. This is also the day to express gratitude to Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva.
The final day is dedicated to family bonding and outings. Place leftover Pongal rice, betel leaves, turmeric leaf, sugarcane pieces, and two bananas on a turmeric leaf in the open. Sisters pray for their brothers' well-being (similar to Bhai Dooj). Families visit relatives, go to the beach or parks, and children enjoy bird-watching. In the evening, families gather for a feast. Young women perform the Kummi and Kolattam folk dances.
After the Surya Puja on Thai Pongal day, perform aarti with camphor. Distribute the sweet Pongal as prasad to all family members and neighbours. Share with the less fortunate — generosity on Pongal day brings blessings for the entire year. Elders bless the younger members of the family.