It was celebrated in the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec-Jan).ĭuring this festival, the young girls prayed for rain and prosperity of the country. The festival celebrations began in the Sangam Era.Īt that time, maidens of the Sangam Era observed “Pavai Nonbu” as a major festival during the Pallavas rule between the 4th and 8th century AD. The festival has been identified with the Thai Un and Thai Niradal, which were celebrated in the Sangam Age. In fact, the festival is originated as a Dravidian Harvest festival. The festival’s history can be traced back to the Sangam Age from 200 B.C. Pongal is an ancient Hindu festival in South India, particularly in the state of Tamil Nadu. Farmers gather to share their joy and harvest with others. The Sun is offered a “Pongal” of rice and milk. It is celebrated as a thanksgiving for plenty, peace, and happiness. Thus this festival is celebrated to honor the Sun for a bountiful harvest. This event is known as “Makaram” and is celebrated as “Pongal.” On the first day of Thai, the Sun vacates the zodiac sign of Sagittarius and enters the sign of Capricorn. When the Sun is in the northern half, it is termed as Uttarayanam, and when it moves to the southern half, it is termed as Dakshinayanam. The first day of this month is celebrated as “Pongal Day.” The meaning of Pongal is “boiling over” of milk and rice during the month of Thai.Īccording to the Hindu calendar, the year is divided into two halves following the apparent movement of the Sun in the northern and southern halves of the Earth.

So, they go on to express their gratitude towards these during the harvest festival of Pongal.Īs the wet month of Margazhi (mid-December to mid-January) gives way to the new Tamil month of Thai, a series of festivals unfolds.

In fact, the farmers’ cultivation depends on cattle, timely rain, and the Sun.

Pongal festival