The only thing I knew about "Pongal" before I married my Tamilian husband was that it was a delicious sticky rice dish. I was treated to some as a teenager while visiting an Aunty's home in Southern India and I must admit, I probably ate more than I should have!
Pongal is a 4 day Harvest Festival celebrated in mid January, in Tamil Nadu and other South Indian states. It's a wonderful way of marking a season of renewal with several rituals symbolic of "out with the old, in with the new." Here is a summary of each day:
Day 1: Bhogi - Get rid of useless household items
Day 2: Thai Pongal - Cook and serve sakkarai (sweet) pongal
Day 3: Maddu Pongal - Celebrate cows
Day 4: Kannum Pongal - Family reunions (visit and "see" your family)
Here are some resources you can share with your family, to help them learn more about Pongal:
- 2 minute video with a basic overview of Pongal
- Short Animated Song about Pongal for kids - In Tamil with English subtitles, made by Magic Box Animation
- 6 minute animated video by Professor Brenda Beck, with a mythological story of Pongal
Living in the US, how can we bring this holiday home to our kids? What rituals and traditions do you celebrate in your home? Do you have a favorite recipe to share? Leave a comment below or message us on IG .
[Artwork by Freepik.com]
Check out our Tamil Language Collection here
Leave a comment