~South Indian Festival- Pongal~ {Diversity Comp}

Chanel.

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Posted: 11 years ago

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Welcome to the fifth episode of Festivals and Colours of India! The festival we focus on this episode is Pongal which is an admired and prized festival by countless South Indians and Sri Lankans around the globe.

Being a festival to mark the harvesting season everyone in South India decorate their houses like a newly wed brides whilst religiously following all traditions the festival brings.

Commonly falling in January Pongal is celebrated over a period of four days, where all of South India embrace exhilaration and joy!

Today we take you to a small village falling in South India where we celebrate this beautiful holiday with the cheery people.

Edited by ..Athena.. - 11 years ago

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Chanel.

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Posted: 11 years ago

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The Four Days of Pongal

Day One

The First Day of Pongal is used to tribute and thank the God of Rain; and is commonly recognised as the Bogi Festival. On this day South Indians will burn any unrequired items or rubbish they have to symbolise the demolishment of any evil with their household.

Day Two

The Second day of the festival is also know as Surya Pongal and is recognised to be the start of the celebrations Pongal brings with itself. Rising early in the morning, South Indians dress themselves impressively before gathering to cook the traditional Pongal.

Additionally, all rice is collected and cooked in pots until they over flow. Once this process is completed the pots themselves are decorated beautifully through flowers and colours.

Day Three

Known for the day to praise and worship cattle, the third day of Pongal is also named; Mattu Pongal. On this day farmers shower their cattle (especially cows) with food and decorate them with flowers and ornaments; signifying their pride and thankfulness towards the cattle.

Day Four

As well as spending the day with family members and enjoying to the maximum on Kaanum Pongal, all young girls make small balls of rice to represent her prayer that her brother receives happiness and prosperity throughout his life.

Pongal, is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable festivals of South India. Throughout these four days South India is showered with colour, cheerfulness and love while they devotedly complete all traditions of the festival.

Edited by ..Athena.. - 11 years ago

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Chanel.

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Posted: 11 years ago

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A Video of Colour

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Edited by ..Athena.. - 11 years ago

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Chanel.

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Posted: 11 years ago

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Kolams

Kolams are decorative and colourful patterns most women in South India make to symbolise the welcoming of guests. It is made usually near the entrance of ones household.

Attire

There is the traditional attire for the women in South-India, that is the half sari and Lehengaand Angavastram for men.

Presents

Exchanging of gifts is also a vital aspect of this festival and is observed by every member of the society. There are various terms for this Pongal gift like, Pongal Padi and Pongal parisu.

Employers also gift their employees on this occasion.

Apart from this, gifts are also exchanged between families and other relatives and friends.

Rituals

The most common ritual surrounding Pongal is to clean the house and the entire area where you are living. All the members of the family get together take a bath early in the morning on all the four days of the festival.

Having sugarcane is another custom during the Pongal.

Edited by ..Athena.. - 11 years ago

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Chanel.

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Posted: 11 years ago

#5