The Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated on four days by giving thanks to the nature and worshiping the Sun God. “Spill over” or “boiling overs” is the meaning of word Pongal.

The festival usually occurs as per Gregorian calender from January 13 – 15.  It takes place in the state of Tamil Nadu in India.

The first day is known as “Pongal Podigai” or “Bhogi Pongal”. It is a tribute to the Lord Indra who brought rains. On this day houses are cleaned, white washed and people discard their useless household articles into fire made of cow dung and wood cakes. The girls sing songs and dance in praise of God.

On the second day newly harvested rice is cooked. The rice grains are cooked along with groundnuts, jaggery, sesame seeds, dried coconut and chick peas and are then put into an earthen pot filled with milk. The milk is boiled till it spills over. Pongal is the preparation of this. A part of this cooked rice is offered to the Sun God and the rest of the rice is shared by friends, family and neighbors.

The third day is known as Mattu Pongal in which cows are worshiped. The cows are decorated by firstly bathing them and then painting their horns. Flower garlands, tinkling bells, multi-colored beads, and sheaves of corn are tied around the neck of the cattle.

The fourth day is called as as Knau or Kannum Pongal day. A turmeric leaf is washed and placed on the ground with sweet Pongal and Venn Pongal. Ordinary rice as well as rice colored red and yellow, betel leaves, turmeric leaves, plantains, betel nuts and two pieces of sugarcane are also offered.

The women perform this ritual before bathing in the morning. The sisters pray for the well being of their brothers.