Pongal is similar to Lohri, Makar Sankranti and Poush Sankranti, but instead of one day, it is celebrated over a period of four days

India boasts an abundance of festivals, beginning with Lohri, Makar Sankrati, Poush Sankranti, and Pongal in January. All these festivals are similar in the sense that they celebrate the end of long winter days to welcome the summer days and the cycle of agriculture in India. However, when it comes to Pongal, which is celebrated in several southern states of India, it is done over a period of four days.

The four days of Pongal are Bhogi, Thai, Mattu, and Kaanum Pongal, and they fall on the Thai month of the Tamil solar calendar. As we celebrate this year’s Pongal, here’s a guide to what happens on the four days of the festival.

Bhogi Pongal

The first day of Pongal is known as Bhogi Pongal, and on this day, people begin with Pongal preparations. Houses are cleaned, old items are thrown away, and Bhogi Mantalu, which is a bonfire of sorts, is lit, in which old wooden items are burnt.

Thai Pongal

Thai Pongal, the second day of the festival, is the main day, which is dedicated to the Sun God. On this day, families wear traditional clothes and cook a dish known as Pongal—the dish is made from freshly harvested rice, milk, and jaggery in an outdoor setting early in the morning. The Sun God is served first, then the dish is shared with family and friends.

Mattu Pongal

Mattu Pongal is celebrated on the third day to honour cows and bulls, given that they play an important role in the Indian agriculture system. Even today, despite technological advancement, many parts of India rely on bulls to plough the fields and transport crops on bullock carts. Cattle are bathed, decorated with flowers, and their horns are painted.

In some parts of Tamil Nadu, a traditional bull-taming sport called Jallikattu is organised.  Jallikattu has several versions, such as Vadi manjuviraṭṭu, Vēli viraṭṭu and Vaṭam manjuviraṭṭu, and in 2018, the Jallikattu Premier League was formed by the Tamil Nadu Jallikattu Peravai and the Chennai Jallikattu Amaippu.

Kaanum Pongal

Kaanum Pongal marks the last day of the festival, and this day is all about spending time with friends and families or even connecting with new people. People usually visit relatives, go on picnics with friends or families, or take a short trip to relax and unwind.

In the southern states of India, Pongal is a significant festival, and if one ever wishes to see the celebration on a large scale, they should visit cities such as Chennai, Madurai, Thanjavur, and Coimbatore.