Pongal Puja vidhi and Rituals

Throughout the celebration, people put Kumkum and turmeric dots. Beauteous decorated Rangoli is made at the entrance gates to welcome Goddess Laxmi for showering blessings on this favorable occasion. They discard their old clothes and even burn the garbage off the home. The puja house is decorated very nicely as it is believed that divine godheads arrive at homes and bring in good health, prosperity, and harmony among the family members. People keep clay pots or stoves for cooking the next time. Tie the manjal kothu around the pot. Draw three lines with wet viboodhi and keep a kumkum dot on the pot. Certain dishes like suzhiyan, adhirasam & obbattu are prepared. Beautiful and traditional rangolis are put all around the house. On the major days of Pongal people wake up in the early morning at 4 am because they are supposed to do the pooja during sunrise at around 6 am. They take a head bath. The elders also look over brides and grooms to initiate matrimonial functions on these specific pious days. They usually prefer Pongal festivity to begin marriage events and other holy observances.

The first day marks the 'Bhogi Pongal'- It is meant for cleaning and decorating the house. The second day is known as 'Thai Pongal'- It is the day when new rice is harvested and it is prepared. This is when the Sun God is worshiped. This day corresponds with Makar Sankranti, the winter harvest festival celebrated throughout India, which marks the start of the sun’s six-month journey north and warmer weather. People also gather in their homes to cook the Pongal dish. It's offered to the Sun God during prayers and later served for lunch. The third day is known as 'Maatu Pongal'- It is completely dedicated to the cattle that are represented by a cow. It is customary to clean and worship the cows on this day. The final day (fourth day) is known as 'Kaanum Pongal'- It is meant for family gatherings. On this day birds are worshiped. Balls of cooked rice are prepared and left out for birds to eat. People also thank family and friends for their support during the harvest. Devotees offer all the dishes in 9 leaves. But in general, they spread 5 leaves for the Sun God. In those 5 leaves, they keep sweet Pongal, Vella Pongal, Pongal sambar, kootu in little quantities. Just in the middle of the rangoli- kolam, a huge and mammoth figurine of the Lord Surya (Sun God) with the glittered beams are also chiseled. Light two lamps in front of the banana leaves. Spread a banana leaf and keep all the seasonal vegetables like sweet potato, pumpkin, yam, arbi, Panag kizhangu. Keep sugar cane pieces, banana, betel leaves & nuts. Break a coconut and keep it. Now do the puja and mangala harathi. Finish the puja. After the puja, a glass of milk sweetened with jaggery is distributed which is known as “siruveetu paal”.

Pongal is all about rice!