Pongal Festivals

by Chandrasekar 

Although the Pongal festivals are meant to worship demi-gods who help human beings flourish materially, and to foster unity of spirit of all beings, Krishna devotees know well that, as confirmed by Sri Krishna in Himself in Bhagavad-gita, they are but different arms that help Him in the conduct of this material world and operate under instructions from Him.
(Ram, Editor, You, I and Krishna) 


When I think of  Bhogi & Pongal festivals, the first thought that comes to my mind is the way our traditional festivals are being hijacked by commercial interests.  In consumption-driven economy, every holiday is an occasion to grab your attention and then your money.  In the process the original significance of the festivals is lost. The purpose of human life is not restricted to eating, drinking or being merry. While material prosperity is important, we should not forget that the real purpose of life is spiritual knowledge and attainment of liberation.  In this light. let us understand some significant aspects of the Pongal festivals that are probably the most important in Tamil culture. In general, they are thanksgiving festivals to the demi-gods who have contributed to our food security and well-being.



Lord Indra Prays to Sri Krishna

Bhogi Pandigai

The day preceding Pongal is called Bhogi that is celebrated in honour of Lord Indra who controls the clouds and rains. People assemble at dawn to light a bonfire to discard old used possessions symbolizing the destruction of evil. But, nowadays, this Bhogi bonfire causes pollution due to the burning of plastics and rubber that needs to be avoided.  Bhogi comes on the last day of Tamil month Margazhi that is earmarked exclusively for early morning prayers. Both “Tiruppavai” and “Tiruvembavai”  of Vaishnavite and Saivite traditions give a wake-up call each day with a hymn. The wake-up call is actually for the soul that is under the influence of Tamasic forces. After a month long exhortation, one is expected to see a new beginning after getting rid of bad habits and evil thoughts. Thus the sayings “Pazhayana Kazhidalum, Pudiyana Pugudalum”,  “Thai Pirandal Vazhi Pirakkum” are attributed to Boghi and Pongal.

Thai Pongal


Lord Krishna Instructed the Gita to the Sun God, who in turn instructed it to Manu

It is a thanksgiving festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, at the end of harvest season.  It is timed by an astronomical event - the winter solstice. It marks the beginning of the northward journey of the Sun from its southernmost limit, a movement traditionally referred to as uttarayana.  This also represents the sun entering  the 10th house of the Indian zodiac i.e. Makaram or Capricorn. Thus it is celebrated throughout India as Makara Sankaranthi. The Uttarayana period is the day time for Devas and it is appropriate time to seek their blessings. Thus many marriages and auspicious events are planned during this period.  On this day, Sweet Pongal is cooked with newly harvested rice. The neck of the Ponga panai is tied with fresh turmeric leaves and ginger leaves. The green leaves symbolize prosperity.  Sugarcane another important part of Pongal symbolizes sweetness and happiness. Pongal is the last festival in the Tamil Calendar and the year is expected to end with signs of prosperity and sweetness.

Maattu Pongal


Lord Krishna, the Protector of Cattle

On the day after Pongal, cattle are felicitated in recognition of their provision of dairy products, fertilizer, farm work and transportation. They are decorated with garlands, horns painted, kungumam applied on their foreheads and are fed with a mixture of venn pongal, jaggery,honey,banana and other fruits. In rural Tamil Nadu, adventurous games such as the Jallikkattu or taming the wild bull are features of the day. 

Kanu Pidi is a tradition that the ladies and young girls of the house follow. Women feed birds and pray for the well being of their brothers. Women of the family place different kinds of coloured rice, cooked vegetables, banana and sweet pongal on a ginger or turmeric leaf and invite the crows. Women offer prayers in the hope that the brother-sister ties may remain forever strong like the family of crows.

Kaanum Pongal

This is a time for family reunions.  Brothers pay special tribute to their married sisters by giving gifts as affirmation of their filial love. Landlords present gifts of food, clothes and money to their workforce.  It is a day to thank relatives and friends for their support in their well being. In the cities, this day is synonymous with people flocking to beaches and theme parks to have a day out with their families.

The writer of this article can be reached at: chandras3d@gmail.com

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