Makara Sankrathi or Pongal is a festival in January every year and marks the termination of the Winter season and the beginning of a new harvest season celebrated in many parts of India. It is a celebration to thank the Sun, Mother Nature and the various farm animals that help to contribute to a bountiful harvest.
This is the beginning of the month of Magh. From the day of Makar Sankranti, the sun begins its northward journey or Uttarayan journey. Therefore, this festival is also known as Uttarayan. The Uttranyanam time periods which spans for 6 months are believed that Devas do the Pooja to Paramaathma, According to the Hindu tradition the six months of Uttarayana are a single day of the Gods; the six months of Dakshinayana are a single night of the Gods.
Celebrated over four days, Pongal also marks the beginning of the Tamil month called Thai, which is considered an auspicious month.
4 days Pongal
1. Bhogi Pongal – The first day of Pongal is called Bhogi. It is a day where cleaning and discarding of old belongings are carried out to signify a fresh start
2. Thai Pongal – On second day, the Sun God is honoured. Colourful decorative floor patterns called kolam are drawn at the entrance of one’s home, and each household cooks a pot of fresh rice with milk at auspicious timings. As the milk boils freely over the pot, family members shout out happily “Pongalo Pongal”!
3. Mattu Pongal – The third day of Pongal is devoted to honour and worship the cattle (Maatu) to remember the work they do – ploughing the land. Cows are bathed and adorned with multi-coloured beads, flowers garlands, and bells.
4. Kaanum Pongal – The fourth day of Pongal is given importance to the community and to strengthen ties. Families gather together to have a sumptuous meal.
In Australia, Pongal/Makara Sankrathi will be celebrated on 15th – Jan – 2022. Makara month or Thai month starts only at Jan 14 at 5.13pm AEDT. Since Pongal/ makara sankrathi is mainly dedicated to Surya Bagavan, we are celebrating the Pongal on 15th Jan between 7.40am to 9.30am.