Holiday declared for six districts in Kerala as part of Thai Pongal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A holiday has been declared for six districts as part of Thai Pongal, the most important festival in Tamil Nadu. The local holiday was declared on January 15 (Thursday). The holiday is for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Palakkad and Wayanad. This is a holiday as per the official calendar of the state government.

What is Thai Pongal?
Pongal is a very important festival for the Tamilians. Since Tamil Nadu is a neighboring state of Kerala, Pongal is also celebrated with great importance in our border districts. Pongal is also a harvest festival like Onam. The celebration lasts for four days. Pongal is a festival celebrated by farmers in the joy of harvesting their crops.

Old items in the houses are also replaced with new ones. The new year is welcomed by burning old items. The celebration of each day has different names such as Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Paka Pongal. Pongal begins on the first day of the Tamil month of Thai.

To bring prosperity, rain, sun and cattle are worshipped during Pongal. The sun is worshipped in particular. Farmers bathe their bulls and other animals and decorate them. This is done on the day of Mattu Pongal. Special pujas are also performed for the cattle. Mattu Pongal is associated with Lord Shiva and his vehicle Nandi. Some people travel around the country with decorated bulls.

The most important day is Thai Pongal. Pongal is prepared in a new earthen pot by making beautiful kolams in front of the house and worshipping Lord Surya. Freshly harvested paddy rice is used for Pongal. When the Pongal, which is made of rice, milk and jaggery, boils, the women shout, 'Pongal or Pongal'. After offering the Pongal to Lord Surya, all the families gather and happily eat a sumptuous meal.

Tying turmeric plants in a bowl is also part of this celebration. Kanum Pongal is the last day of Pongal. As the name suggests, it is a day when family and friends come together. To be precise, it is a day of gathering. It is also customary to give gifts to each other.