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"Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light..."
-author unknown
Namastey! Namashkar! Vanakkam! Namaskaram!
January 14th, 2014Today yet again marks a significant time of the year for many people.
For it is the harvest season yet again!
It marks the beginning of an auspicious phase as households prepare for the day
and celebrate it with grand fervor and enthusiasm.
It is observed everywhere in India,
but the names and rituals differ according to region.
The various names include
Pongal, Makar Sankranti, Uttarayan, Maghi, Bhogali Bihu, etc.
So what makes this day special?
The day commemorates the Sun. The Sun stands as a symbol of light, hope and new beginnings. With the awakening of the harvest season, it brings along a fresh start for
everyone as the dark times come to an end at last.
It is a day when everyone has a chance to wash away the darkness, and progress
forward spiritually in the light of the Sun.
Various cultures and regions celebrate the day with different rituals.
Here are a few:
Tamil Nadu
The new year according to the Tamil calendar begins on Pongal!
This is a 4 day celebration that ranges from
Bogi Pongal
Members of each household clean and purify their houses on the day before.
This is to cast of any evils that may be lurking around
Surya Pongal
The day begins with the front of the house being adorned by
a Rangoli. Sweet rice (Pongal) is prepared. Milk is boiled with
ingredients such as rice, jaggery added to it to the point
that it spills over. This is significant as it is considered
the defining moment of Pongal.
Maattu (Cow) Pongal
The third day is dedicated to the cows and bulls as they are known
to help out with the harvesting.
Kaanum Pongal
The final day of Pongal is dedicated to the Sun God as families
gather around and pray.
Andhra Pradesh
Just like TN, even AP has its Sankranti celebrations divided into 4 days!
Bogi Pongal
People gather around a bonfire as it is believed that it will
help eliminate the evils and cure any diseases. The fire, meaning agni,
holds great importance.
Makara Sankranthi
The main event day starts with everyone dressing in
new clothes and offering prayers.
Kanuma
This day commemorates Lord Krishna for having lifted up the Hill,
Govardhana, to protect the people from a cyclone.
Mukkanuma
And the final day is held for friends and family to gather
for a feast and have a good time.
Karnataka
In Karnataka the special day is celebrated with friends and family as well. Just like
Andhra Pradesh and Tamil nadu, people dress in new clothes
and offer prayers to the Lord. A special delicacy, "Ellu Ballu", is also made
from sesame seeds, sugar cane, etc.
Gujarat
Named as 'Uttarayan', the celebration lasts for two days in the state. Gujarat
is most famous for the kite festivals that occur during this time period. The exchange of a mixture of sesame seed and jaggery betwen family and relatives is a symbol of 'forget and forgive'.
Maharashtra
This is the season when sugarcanes are ready to be made into jaggery. The two most popular
sweets in this State on this day are the halwa and the ladoos.
Married women get together for a tradition called Haldi-Kunku. Women also wear black sarees to
absorb the heat.
Punjab
Makar Sankrat is referred to as Maghi and it honours the 40 Sikhs, who gave up their lives fighting alongside the 10th Guru, Guru Bobind Singh Ji. There is also a festival which takes place
to celebrate the victory and remember the soldiers.
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