Thai Pongal
Source:-Brisbane 4EB Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – January 2022
Thai Pongal is a Tamil community harvest festival. It is observed on the14th of the month of January.
“Pongal”’ literally means overflowing and is named so because of the tradition of cooking new rice in pots until they overflow which is a symbol of abundance and prosperity.
Thai Pongal is a festival dedicated to the sun by farmers who depend on Mother Nature for their staple food, rice. Women decorate the central courtyard of their homes with beautiful designs (called kolams). Families gather to rejoice and share their joy of their harvests with others. In the early morning the Sun is offered a “Pongal” of rice,
milk and jaggery. Worship of sun is the principal activity.
Houses and surroundings are cleaned, and people bathe early in the morning and wear traditional attire.
The festival extends to four days. First day is called Bhogi. On this day, people light bonfires with wooden furniture at home that are no longer useful. The Second day is Thai Pongal when people feast and give each other gifts. The third day is Maattu Pongal and the fourth day is called Kaanum Pongal.
On Maattu Pongal, prayers are offered to cows. The cows are adorned with bells and flowers. Women perform aarati to rid of any evil eye and seek the animal’s blessings.
Kaanum Pongal or ‘Seeing’ Pongal day is dedicated to paying visits to relatives and friends and for exchanging gifts. They also reward the labourers who helped them with the harvest.
Aloysius Aseervatham
Aloysius Aseervatham is a qualified accountant, an educator and the
author of many books.
