Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Thai Pongal

"Thai Pirandhal Vazhi Pirakkum" (தை பிறந்தால் வழி பிறக்கும்) meaning "the birth of the month of Thai will pave the way for new opportunities" is often quoted regarding the Pongal festival.

The first day, Bhogi, is celebrated by throwing away and destroying old clothes and materials, by setting them on fire.

The second day, Pongal[Sarkarai Pongal or Veetu Pongal],is celebrated by boiling rice with fresh milk and jaggery in new pots, which are later topped with brown sugar, cashew nuts and raisins early in the morning and allowing it to boil over the vessel.The rice boils over and bubbles out of the vessel, the tradition is to shout of "Ponggalo Ponggal!"

The third day, Maattu Pongal, is for offering thanks to cattle, as they help farmer in different ways for agriculture. On this day the cattle are decorated with paint, flowers and bells.

During the final day, Kaanum Pongal (the word kaanum means "to view") people visit their relatives, friends home.

No comments:

Post a Comment