What are some important Tamil festival names?
Answers
.1)Pongal
This is the most important Harvest festival celebrated by the people of Tamil Nadu. It lasts for a period of 4 days and is normally celebrated on the 13th of January till the 16th.
Pongal Decorations - Festivals of Tamil Nadu
You know its Pongal, when…
(Source)
This festival is actually mainly celebrated to thank or show appreciation to the Sun God for giving energy towards agriculture. The people boil the first rice of the season as a tribute to the Sun God. Pongal is also the name of a dish that is very famous in the South and is cooked for most of the festivals there.
One month before the festival the females of the houses make patterns at the entrance of the houses known as Kolam with rice and colored powder. This month is called Margali and houses are whitewashed and kept ready for Pongal.
Pongal Dish - Festivals of Tamil Nadu
Pongal Dish (Source)
The first day is known as Bhogi and is mainly to honour Lord Indra who provides the farmers with rain. Also on this day, people get rid of something old and get something new as a sign of a new beginning. At dawn all that was gotten rid of is burnt in the bonfire.
The houses are all decorated for the forthcoming day, the horns of the buffaloes are painted. Sugar cane is an important crop on this day at least that’s what I remember because I used to be so excited each year in the hostel for the sugarcanes that our friends would bring for us.
The main Pongal falls on the second day and is called Thai Pongal (Thai is the 10th month in the Tamil Calendar). All the people wear the traditional clothes, also on this day, the husband and the wife throw away some vessels that were used for the Puja. The offering also includes sugar cane and coconut.
Sugarcane for Thai Pongal - Festivals of Tamil Nadu
Sugarcane snacking for Thai Pongal (Source)
Mattu Pongal, the third day of the festival is mainly for the cows. Many beads, bells, flowers are tied onto the cow and most importantly a garland. They are fed Pongal and other dishes and are worshipped. They are also taken around the village so all the people can join in on this auspicious day.
Pongal flowers - Festivals of Tamil Nadu
Garlands Garlands, everywhere ! (Source)
The last day is called Kannum Pongal day. On this day Women put a turmeric leaf and fill it with various leftover and rice and pray for their households prosperity. It is also the day where families visit each other and many gifts are exchanged as a perfect end to a perfect festival.
A house decorated on Pongal with sugarcanes and the kolum - Festivals of Tamil Nadu
A house decorated on Pongal with sugarcanes and the kolum in the middle. (Source)
2. Tamil New Year’s Day
Also known as Puthandu, the Tamil New year falls in mid April, the first month of the Tamil Calendar. The morning of Puthandu is marked as Women make beautiful Kolams at the entrance of their houses.