Pongal is a harvest festival
celebrated with immense joy and enthusiasm in the state of TamilNadu and
other south Indian states. Celebrated on the 14th of January every year,
it is an equivalent of Thanksgiving. Pongal means the boiling of milk
and rice. Born fire and feasting is a common feature of the festival
every year; also known as 'VenPongal', farmers express their gratitude
during the festival. It is held to honor the Sun, for a bountiful
harvest. Families gather to rejoice and offer Pongal to Sun. People
decorate their house with patterns made of rice flour. According to a
popular belief, Hindus feel celebrating the harvest festival will bring
them prosperity, peace and joy.
