Celebrating Pongal: From Pujas to Gastronomical Delights

 

Jaggery, rice and raisins, cardamom and cashews, and a generous dollop of ghee come together in a mouthwatering dish that will send your senses into a tizzy! Salivating already? Well, it’s time to cry out ‘Pongal O-Pongal!’ at one of the most important harvest festival celebrations in India – Thai Pongal. The festival of Pongal falls in the Tamil month of Thai which coincides with the solar month of January (this year it’s on January 14).

In praise of the sun!

Winter is on its way out, the sun is shining bright, and there is joy in the air. It’s the first day of Pongal – the Bhogi Pongal. Courtyards and doorsteps in every village, town and city are covered with intricately designed kolams, or rangolis, that are so symmetrically accurate you’d need a geometry set to imitate them.  Make sure you watch your step as not to ruin the beautiful patterns by stepping on them!

Day two is Surya Pongal, the day dedicated to the Sun god. Elaborate pujas and heartfelt prayers are rendered to seek his blessings for another bountiful year.  Rice is cooked in mud pots, until it overflows, and it is time to shout ‘Pongal-O-Pongal’.

Eat to you heart’s content, then run for your life!

You call it a festival, so where is the food? As is the case with any other Indian festival, gastronomy is king during this harvest festival too and Pongal is the main dish at the event. There are two types of Pongal– venpongal – white in color and savory; and sharkarai pongal – the sinfully sweet variety, both fed to friends and family ain copious amounts! If you still feel hungry, attack bowlfuls of sambar and platefuls idli and vadai. Yummy!

If you want to experience the full glory of Pongal, you will find it only in the villages and hamlets of Tamil Nadu. If you happen to be in Madurai, Tiruchirapalli or Tanjavur on Mattu Pongal, or the third day, get ready to run - the bulls are out! It’s time for Jallikattu, the Indian equivalent of the Spanish bullfight. This is one sport where you are sure to see some of the fastest and strongest amateur athletes of India, trying to tame some of the most determined bulls in the country.

Imagine celebrating Pongal in the name of a British man? Well, that’s how the festival is celebrated in several villages in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu. Pongal in these villages is celebrated in honour of British engineer Pennycuick, the architect of Mullaperiyar Dam, as his birthday coincides with the harvest festival.

So, if it is food, fun and some fast-paced festivities that you are looking for, head to Tamil Nadu this January. Believe me, you  won’t be disappointed!