How did Pongal originate?

How did Pongal originate?

History of the Pongal Festival The history of the festival can be traced back to the Sangam Age and considered as the ‘Dravidian Harvest festival’. But some historians claim that this festival is dated back at least 2,000 years old. It was celebrated as Thai Niradal.

Which country invented Pongal?

According to Andrea Gutiérrez – a scholar of Sanskrit and Tamil traditions, the history of the Pongal dish in festive and religious context can be traced to at least the Chola period.

What is the history of Thai Pongal?

History of Pongal The celebration of the festival of Pongal dates back to 2,000 years, as early as the early Chola empire. Celebrated on the third day of the Thai month, it is important to most Hindu families in Tamil Nadu as they pray to Sun God Surya and Lord Indra.

Is Pongal a Hindu?

Pongal, three-day Hindu festival held throughout South India. It is celebrated on the winter solstice, when, according to the traditional Hindu system of reckoning, the Sun, having reached its southernmost point, turns to the north again and reenters the sign of makara (Capricorn), usually on January 14.

Why do we celebrate Pongal in Tamilnadu?

The festival is known by different names across several parts of India. In Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti is known as Pongal. It is usually celebrated as it is calculated in the solar calendar. It is an auspicious celebration as it marks the sun’s entry to the tropic of Capricorn (Makaran Rashi) from the Tropic of Cancer.

Why is Sankranthi celebrated?

Significance of Makar Sankranti The festival of Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of the harvest season when new crops are worshipped and shared with delight. The harvest festival heralds a change in season, as from this day, the Sun begins its movement from Dakshinayana (South) to Uttarayana (North) hemisphere.

Who invented sweet Pongal?

Five thousand years later, in south India, some genius of a cook ‘accidentally’ boiled rice and Moong dal together, to create the Pongal. This was such a hit that much later, around 200 BC, the ‘Indravizhya’ festival celebrated at Poombuhar came to be called ‘Pongal’.

Did Christians celebrate Pongal?

Christians celebrate ‘Pongal’ at Chennai’s Santhome Cathedral. Chennai, Jan 15 (ANI): Christian community joined ‘Pongal’ celebrations in Chennai. Special traditional feast was organised on the auspicious occasion at Santhome Cathedral. Pongal is a harvest festival dedicated to the Sun God.

Do Catholics celebrate Pongal?

Tamil Catholics celebrate Pongal to promote communal harmony.

Where is Bihu celebrated?

state of Assam
Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu, is one of the biggest festivals celebrated in the North Eastern state of Assam and marks the start of the Assamese New Year. The festival starts in mid-April and goes on for seven days and this year Bohag Bihu will start on April 14 and end on April 20.

What is the first day of Pongal is known as?

Bhogi Pongal. The first day of Pongal is called Bhogi. It is a day where cleaning and discarding of old belongings are carried out to signify a fresh start.

Why do we eat khichdi on Makar Sankranti?

On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, people worship Hindu God Gorakhnath who was a Hindu yogi. On this day, people serve khichdi prepared using rice, lentils, and haldi to seek blessings for a good harvest season ahead.