Makara Sankranti ( Pongal ) is the most generally observed Hindu harvest festival celebration committed to the Sun God, Which is celebrated in different area of India. it is additionally known by various names and celebrated with different folkways in various territories of India. Most popularly celebrated in Karnataka (Sankranthi), Andhra Pradesh (Sankranthi) and Tamil Nadu (Pongal).
The unique importance of Pongal is the start of another adventure of the Sun God towards north on this specific day as it is accepted to favourably affect life and prosperity.
In India as I said Sankranti is known by various local names is underneath specified ( Information source from Wikipedia)
1. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana - Makar Sankranti
2. Assam - Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu
3. Bihar and Jharkhand - Makar Sankranti, Khichdi
4. Delhi and Haryana - Makar Sankranti, Maghi
5. Gujarat – Uttarayan, Makar Sankranti
6. Himachal Pradesh - Maghi
7. Karnataka - Makar Sankramana, Makara Sankranthi, Suggi Habba,
8. Kerala - Makar Sankranti
9. Uttarakhand - Makar Sankranti
10.Maharashtra - Makar Sankranti
11. Odisha - Makar Sankranti
12. Punjab - Maghi
13. Rajasthan and West Madhya Pradesh -
14. Tamil Nadu - Thai Pongal, Uzhavar Thirunal
15. Uttar Pradesh - Makar Sankranti , Khichdi
16.West Bengal - Poush Sangkranti , Makar Sankranti
Pongal is also celebrated in foreign countries in different names
o Nepal – Maghe Sankranti
o Thailand – Songkran
o Myanmar – Thingyan
o Combodia – Moha sangkran
o Srilanka – Pongal , Uzhavar thirunal
As my knowledge I think among these, Sankranti is most well known is in Tamil Nadu (Pongal) which is celebrated for the jubilation of getting new crops for harvesters. This will be praised for four days as a thanksgiving event in which reaper respect to the Sun god, nature and cows' for their contribution to agricultural activities. The celebration is commended over a time of four days, between January 13 and January 16. The last day of the "Maargazhi" month of the Tamil calender which falls on January thirteenth is commended as Bhogi Pongal. The other three days of festivities fall on the "Thai" month. In systematic Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Kanum Pongal. Each of these festivals is interesting in its unique celebration which has its own guidelines and method for festivity. This celebration is praised with awesome sparkle and commitment in which individuals clean their homes, wear new clothes and make vivid rangoli. (also known as Kolam) at the main entrance of their homes and cook delicious cuisine. In North Karnataka, kite flying with group individuals is additionally a tradition.The vivid and celebration of Pongal festivals remain the much anticipated festive activity of Tamilnadu.
The First Day - Bhogi Pongal
The First day of Pongal is praised as Bhogi Pongal. On this day individuals clean their homes and gather every single undesirable thing which are tossed in flame lit by utilizing bovine waste cakes and woods. This custom is called Bhogi. In early days girls apply mehandi for their hands, dance around the bonfire, sing songs in praise of god.
The Second Day - Surya Pongal or Thai Pongal
Surya pongal or Thai Pongal is the most important day in Pongal celebration series in which the Sun god is praised. It is the fundamental day of the celebration, falling on the opening day of the Tamil month Thai. It is the day when the bubbly festival starts. On this day family accumulate outside their home and cook "Pongal" in new mud pots. It is commended by bubbling rice with fresh milk and jaggery in new pots, which are later topped with brown sugar, cashew nuts, and raisins at early hour in the morning and permitting it to bubble over the vessel. This convention gives Pongal its name. At the point when the rice floods from the pot, the general population yell 'Pongal O Pongal' as they devote the first grain and pay tribute to the Sun. The flooding of rice symbolizes a lucky cultivating season.
The Third Day - Mattu Pongal
The third day of Pongal is devoted to cows and is known as Mattu Pongal. Individuals offer prayers to the bulls, dairy animals and other farm animals for their contribution to agriculture. On this day cows are showered, oiled and decorated with shining metal tops and their horns are painted in bright colors. Tinkling bells, flower garlands and piles of corn are tied around their necks.
Jallakatu is a very famous game played in specific parts of Tamil Nadu. Hundreds of youth line up to hold a bull by its horn and handle it with bare hands. The game, however dangerous to both man and cows, attracts in a large number of watchers from everywhere throughout the world every year.
The Fourth Day - Kaanum Pongal
The fourth day of Pongal festivity is Kaanum Pongal. It is the season of joint family festivities in which individuals brighten their home with Kolam in the embellishing design made up of rice flour which is drawn on the floor or outside the door. It is the painted petitions and welcome sign that conveys success to the home. Additionally in which individuals visit their friends and relatives for wishing, favoring, exchanging sweets, gifts, and greetings.
Anyway Dear Shoppers it's a great opportunity to state Happy Sankranti,( Sankranti subhashayagalu) (Sankranti subhakangshayalu) Happy Pongal,( Iniya Pongal Nalvazhthukkal)
Trust this Pongal brings you satisfaction, peace, and flourishing
Much obliged to you, Keep in touch.
