Pongal - Indian

Hello! I am a harvest festival called Pongal. People celebrate me in a part of the world called Southern India. I am especially important in a place called Tamil Nadu. For four whole days, families and friends gather together to observe me. My celebration is a special way to say thank you for all the good food that has grown on the farms.

When people celebrate me, they are saying thank you for many things. They thank the big, bright sun for giving the plants light to grow. They thank the rain for giving the plants water to drink. They also thank the farm animals, like cows and bulls, for helping the farmers with their hard work. I am a time for everyone to feel happy and thankful for the harvest.

One of my most important traditions is making a sweet, yummy dish. This special food is also named pongal, just like me! Families cook the pongal rice in a brand new clay pot. Many people like to cook it outside, right under the warm sunshine. They watch the pot carefully. When the milk and rice boil up and spill over the top, it is a very exciting moment! Everyone shouts with joy, “Pongalo Pongal!” This happy shout is a wish for a good year with plenty of food and happiness.

During my four days, homes look beautiful. People make special drawings on the floor near their front doors. These pretty patterns are called kolam, and they are made with white rice flour. It is a lovely way to welcome everyone. There is also a day just for the farm animals. The cows and bulls get a nice bath to make them clean. Their horns are painted with bright, cheerful colors. They get to eat delicious treats, like the sweet pongal rice and tasty fruit. It is a special way to show the animals that people are thankful for their help.