Hinduism is a religion full of fasts, feasts and festivals. For today, there is a reason for celebration - Ponggal. Ponggal is a harvest festival which falls on 15th of January, today. Literally, it means 'boil and spillover". This festival of thanksgiving is the only festival of Hindu that follows a solar calendar and it signals the end of the traditional farming season. Named after a sweet rice dish, this major festival is celebrated for four continuous days with each of these days hold a significance of its own.

Bhogi is the starter which observed a day before Ponggal. On this day, people clean out their homes and collect all unwanted goods including household articles and clothes to burn them in fire. The second day would be the Surya Ponggal festival, which is the most important day of all. On this day, the Sun-God is given great importance. After the prayers in the morning, Ponggal rice is cooked with milk in a earthenware pot. According to the ritual, this Ponggal rice is allowed to boil and spill over symbolizing happiness and prosperity. The children and adults as well will shout out 'Ponggal-o Ponggal!'. I'm missed the fun again this year!

On the third morning, it's 'Mattu Ponggal' which is the day of Ponggal for cows. The cattle are washed; their horns are painted and tinkling bells and flower garlands are tied around their necks. It is a day of thanks giving for them, appreciating their valuable contribution in giving milk and ploughing the fileds. Mattu ponggal is only famous among farmers as we do not even get to see cows nowadays. But I do see some buffalos everyday at my campus. I shall try to celebrate with them then!

Well, the last day would be 'Kaanum Ponggal'. On this day, people travel to see other family members to share their joy and happiness. So, what are your plans for Ponggal? In case you wanna try cooking the Ponggal Rice, here's the recipe from MIndsblog. Wish all of you a Joyous Ponggal!