Pongal: How do you celebrate?


Let's Learn About Pongal

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 kid-friendly resources you can share with your family, to help them learn more about Pongal. 
Educational Videos:
  • A basic overview of Pongal (2 mins, English with Tamil words)
  • Song about Pongal for kids, made by Magic Box Animation (90s, Tamil with English subtitles) 
  • The mythological story of Pongal by Professor Brenda Beck (6 mins, English with Tamil words)
  • Why are Pongal, Lohri and Makar Sankranti on the same day? Jalebi street episode  (5 mins, English)

Picture Books: 

Kelir Books Pongal Bundle

Nithila's Pongal

Newly released Paperback 2023! Click on the image to buy on Amazon. 

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 .  

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Our Annual Pongal Sale: 
Use code PONGAL25 for 25% off our Tamil & Gifts collections

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