One of the most famous Tamil festivals has finally arrived and will be celebrated January 13 to January 16.  We’re referring to Pongal, of course!

Pongal is the harvest festival dedicated to the Sun God, and is celebrated for four days. The festivities begin when people burn their old and unused belongings as a sign of destroying the darkness within.

The second day is celebrated as Thai Pongal, where people perform special prayers to seek the blessings of the Sun God. Traditionally, people spill milk while preparing Pongal as it is considered a sign of prosperity.

The third day of Pongal is called Mattu Pongal, farmers decorate their cattle and worship them as a sign of thanking them for the cattle’s hard work on the fields .

The fourth and final day of Pongal is Kaanum Pongal when people gather for celebration with traditional meal spread.

What are the auspicious timings for Thai Pongal?

This year’s Pongal falls on Thursday, 14th January at 7.26 am. The auspicious time to prepare the Pongal (milk rice) is between 9am to 10.20am or alternatively between 11.55 am to 1.20 pm.

As the time between 7.26 am to 8.55 am is Yamagandam, it is not advisable to make Pongal at this time.

In the current pandemic, all Hindus are requested to celebrate the Pongal festival in their own homes. It is advised that large public celebrations of Pongal are avoided this year.

In support and observation of the SOPs, we invite you to join RAAGA's Pongal celebration! We are coming Live on your Facebook page at 9am to celebrate this Pongal in 2021 with you, so be sure to mark your calendar on the date.

We at RAAGA wish you good luck and prosperity and that your days ahead be filled with happiness. Happy Pongal!

By Thineshkan

Info via Malaysia Hindu Sangam