Pongal
is one of the major festivals celebrated in the Chennai city of India.
It is basically a rural-based festival, but is also celebrated in the
cities with great enthusiasm. Pongal marks the end of the south east
monsoon and the harvest season in South India. It is celebrated in the
Tamil month of Thai, which is considered quite sacred. The festival
involves the worship of Sun God, Mother Earth and the Cattle for bearing
a good harvest. In Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated continuously for four
days. Moreover, there are many legends associated with the Pongal festival. According to the folklore, the first day of Pongal is celebrated to pay homage to Lord Krishna, as he lifted the Govardhan Parvat (mountain) to save his people from the incessant rain. In relation with the third day of the Pongal, it is said that Lord Shiva sent his divine vehicle Nandi - the bull, on the earth, to give the message to the people that they must have an oil bath everyday, while they must eat only once in a month.
Nandi, on reaching earth, delivered the message in the opposite manner stating that they must have oil bath once a month, whilst eat everyday. This outraged Lord Shiva and he ordered Nandi to stay on the earth and help the people plough the land in order to grow more grains. However, the main focus is on the farmers who worked hard to produce a good harvest. In Chennai, the first day of the festival is known as the Bhogi Pongal.
On this day, the houses are washed, colored and decorated with flower garlands. A special puja is conducted, following which the first harvest is offered to the Gods. The special feature of the day is a South Indian delicacy, prepared from rice, jaggery and ghee. The second day of the Pongal is known as Surya Pongal. On this day, the Sun God is worshipped by one and all. The houses are decorated with colorful kolums. The third day of the festival is dedicated to the cattle and is known as the Mattu Pongal.
The cattle of the house are given a grand treat, as they are responsible for the production of the good harvest. They are given bath, decorated with flower garlands, bells and colors around their necks. The fourth, and the last, day of Pongal is called Kaanum Pongal. This day is dedicated for mass celebration with family and friends. In rural areas Jallikattu, a special sport, similar to a bull fight is organized. Cart races and cock fights are also quite popular sports on the last day of the Pongal festival.