Pongal, also known as Thai Pongal, is the first festival of the year which marks the beginning of the cheerful festive season. The festival marks the Sun’s six-month northward journey also known as Uttarayan. It is also known as the festival of harvest. The festival is mainly celebrated by Tamils in India and Sri Lanka. It is dedicated to Lord Surya. Pongal is a four-day-long festival. However, the festival is celebrated for a day or two in metro cities and urban localities.
The four of Pongal days are called, respectively- Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Kanum Pongal. People cook fresh and new rice for their near and dear ones. "Pongal" means "to boil, overflow" and actually is also a traditional dish prepared from the new rice boiled in milk with jaggery.
