Thai Pongal – Harvest Festival of Tamil Nadu
The Sun is the Primary Energy Source
The Sun’s Southward sojourn is called Night Time in the heavens or domain of the Divine energies, as all supportive energies have been less active or sleeping. Winter Solstice on January 15th marks the return of the Sun, Dawn in the heavens, or its movement Northward starting with the transit into the constellation of Capricorn.
“Thai Pirandhal Vazhi Pirakkum” is a Tamil saying meaning “the beginning of Thai paves the way for new opportunities”. Thai is the 10th month in the Tamil calendar which is mid January in the Gregorian calendar. Thai Pongal is traditionally dedicated to the Sun God to thank the solar deity for the good harvest. Pongal in Tamil means “spill over” or “boiling over” and the boiling over of milk in the Pongal pot symbolizes luck and material abundance for the entire household.
4 Days of New Luck
Agriculturists, who provide the world with our food stores, look to the Sun to guide them on planting as well as harvesting seasons. In India, the farmers celebrate the Sun as playing a critical role in the growth of rice paddy and other agricultural activities. The Thai Pongal festival is anticipated not only as a Thanksgiving for a bountiful rice and sugar cane harvest but as a renewal of life energies.
Day 1- What To Do At Home January 14th
Bogi Pongal is the first day of the Pongal celebrations. It is a good time to clean your home, throw out old items that you are not using or that no longer suits your life. The ‘old’ carries the vibrations of the past. Spiritually, this symbolizes overhauling our current life and preparing an opportunity for the luck, new abundance, prosperity and happiness to come in.
Day 2- The Pot Runneth Over January 15th
Pongal Day is celebrated as the harvest day and is the actual day of the Sun transit into Capricorn. On this day, the cooking of rice with sweet raw sugar cane, jaggary, is done during sunrise in a small pot, usually outdoors as the dish is dedicated to the Sun god, Surya. “Pongalo Pongal” is recited by everyone in a festive tone and is considered a prayer of thanks to the Sun and to receive the full blessings.
Day 3- Our Featured Day for Bovine Bounty- January 16th
Mattu Pongal or Cow Pongal is the 3rd day of celebrations and this is traditionally a time to celebrate the harvest and share the spoils. Cows are decorated and honored on this day as the cow holds the holy trinity (archetypal energies of the Creator, Maintainer and Destroyer) and all the celestial beings within it. Honor them all by honoring the Holy Cow. Bring good luck and good fortune to you and your family.
Day 4- Enjoy Social Activities January 17th
The 4th Day or Kannum Pongal day is the time to gather with family and buy new clothes, jewelry, household items etc. This charges the day with a festive new air to welcome in the new luck and fortune.
