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Origin of Pongal And The Legend Behind Maatu Pongal

South India's culture and traditions are the best part of South India. People from these states make it a point to preserve their ancestral traditions and not to renovate them. South Indians are known for being the most helpful, kind, and clean-hearted people. They also have their customs and traditions. The Pongal is a visual representation of South Indians.

What is the origin story of Pongal?

What's the story and mythological connection?

What's Pongal?

Pongal, a festival of thanksgiving that is celebrated in Southern India, is The Tamil word Pongal is literally 'to boil'. Pongal also refers to a rice-based dish that is made for the festival. It is a harvest festival, and it follows the solar calendar. Every year, this festival is celebrated on January 14th. Pongal is the six months that the Sun moves towards the North. It is considered to be more optimistic than the Southern sun movement. When the Sun enters Capricorn (Makar), and hence the name Makar Sankranti.

History Pongal.

Pongal, an ancient festival, can be traced back from 200B.C. to 300A.D. (i.e. the Sangam Age). Pongal was a festival that was celebrated in the Dravidian era. It is also mentioned in the Sanskrit Puranas. However, some historians still identify Pongal with festivals celebrated during the Sangam age. Some historians believe Pongal was known as Thai Niradal during the Sangam age. Unmarried girls are believed to have prayed during this time for an agricultural prosperity. They also practised penance. The young, unmarried girls believed fasting would bring the country a healthy crop, wealth, and prosperity for the next year.

Legends of Pongal

Festivals in India always have some legends, importance, and myths. While there are many attached to Pongal, the following two legends are the most famous ones.

First legend

According to this legend, Lord Shiva once asked his bull, Basava, to go down to the earth and ask the people to eat once a month, have an oil massage and bathe every day. Although Basava accidentally announced that everyone should have an oil bath once a day and eat every day. Lord Shiva's wrath was such that he banished Basava to live on the earth forever. Here on earth, he would be required to help the people produce more food and thus help them. This might be the reason for the association of cattle to this day.

Second legend

This legend concerns Lord Krishna and Lord Indra. Legend has it that Lord Krishna, in his childhood, decided to teach Lord Indra a lesson after becoming arrogant. Lord Krishna had reacted to Lord Indra's anger by asking cow herders not to worship Lord Indra. His clouds of destruction then caused thunderstorms and floods. Lord Krishna lifted Mount Govardhan and provided shelter for all beings. He also showed Lord Indra his divinity. Lord Krishna then rebuked Lord Indra for his false pride and offered to forgive him.

Not all domestic chores are good for you.

What is Pongal?

According to Hindu mythology, astrology, this festival is considered auspicious. It marks the beginning of God's reign, six months after God began. This festival celebration is spread over three days. The first day is marked with a special puja to cut the paddy. Then, farmers worship the Sun, earth and moon by covering their sickles and ploughs with sandalwood paste. Each day has its festivity. Bhogi Pongal, the first day, is dedicated to family time and is also known as Bhogi Day. Surya Pongal, also known as Surya Pongal, is the second day dedicated to the worship and worship of Surya the Sun God. The Sun God is presented with boiled milk and jaggery on this day. Mattu Pongal, or Mattu, is the third day of worship for cattle. The cattle are washed and cleaned, and their horns are polished with bright colours. They are also garlanded with flowers. Later, the Pongal is offered to gods and cattle and birds.