Pongal Festival Recipes-Tamil Pongal Recipes

Pongal is a four day long harvest festival celebrated at the start of the Tamil month,Thai, in Tamil Nadu. It is celebrated to thank Sun God for a bountiful harvest. The first day is Bhogi (January 14) followed by Surya pongal (January 15) on the next day. It is on this day, Chakkara Pongal, a delicacy prepared with newly harvested rice and jaggery is offered to the Sun God. The third day is Mattu Pongal ( January 16) dedicated to cattles especially cows.They are are washed, their horns are painted and flower garlands are tied around their necks. People offer prayers to cows and bulls. The fourth and the final day of the Pongal festival is known as Kannum Pongal (January 17). On this day we prepare variety rice.