Pongal (festival): Difference between revisions
Wysprgr2005 (talk | contribs) m Reverted edits by Dhraavidan to last revision by Taprobanus (HG) |
Dhraavidan (talk | contribs) |
||
| Line 29: | Line 29: | ||
The moment the rice boils over and bubbles out of the vessel, the tradition is to shout of "Ponggalo Ponggal!" and blowing the ''[[sangu]]'' (a [[conch]]), a custom practiced during the festival to announce it was going to be a year blessed with good tidings. For Tamils, it is considered a good sign to watch it boil over, since it means that good luck and prosperity is forthcoming. Then New boiled rice is offered to the sun god during sunrise, a gesture which symbolises thanks to the sun and nature for providing prosperity. It is later served to the people present in the house for the ceremony. People also prepare savories and sweets such as [[vadai]], [[murukku]], [[payasam]] and visit each other and exchange greetings. |
The moment the rice boils over and bubbles out of the vessel, the tradition is to shout of "Ponggalo Ponggal!" and blowing the ''[[sangu]]'' (a [[conch]]), a custom practiced during the festival to announce it was going to be a year blessed with good tidings. For Tamils, it is considered a good sign to watch it boil over, since it means that good luck and prosperity is forthcoming. Then New boiled rice is offered to the sun god during sunrise, a gesture which symbolises thanks to the sun and nature for providing prosperity. It is later served to the people present in the house for the ceremony. People also prepare savories and sweets such as [[vadai]], [[murukku]], [[payasam]] and visit each other and exchange greetings. |
||
'''Mattu Pongal / Kanu Pongal / Thiruvalluvar Day'''மாட்டுப்பொங்கல் / கனுப்பொங்கல் / திருவள்ளுவர் தினம் |
|||
==Maattu Pongal== |
|||
The third day, ''Maattu Pongal'', is for offering thanks to [[cattle]], as they help farmer in different ways for agriculture. On this day the cattle are decorated with paint, flowers and bells. They are allowed to roam free and fed sweet rice and sugar cane. Some people decorate the horns with [[gold]] or other metallic covers. In some places, [[Jallikattu]], or ''taming the wild bull'' contest, is the main event of this day and this is mostly seen in the villages. |
|||
On the day after Pongal or Makara Sankranthi, the animal kingdom is remembered and in particular, the cows, as they help farmers in different ways for agriculture. In Tamil Nadu, adventurous games, Jallikkattu or taming the wild bull contest, is the main event of this day and this is mostly seen in the villages. And in Andhra Pradesh, |
|||
Cock-fight is organized. |
|||
'''Vedic Instructions to respect Domestic Cattle''' |
|||
Mattu Pongal Day is to show our recognition and affection to the Cattle and decorate them with garlands, apply kumkum on their foreheads and give good food. |
|||
Vedic literature points out that these animals belong to the human family and as such "deserve attention, kindness, care and protection". Atharva Veda, in its Pasu-vardhana Sooktham elaborates on animal husbandry and also presses the need of our (human) care and affection for them: |
|||
Ye graamya: Pasavo visvaroopa virupaa: santhobahudhaikaroopaa: |
|||
Yaayushdanagre pra mumokthu: deva: prajaapathi prajaya samrarana: |
|||
{Atharva Veda: II.34.4} |
|||
Rig-Veda points out three categories of animals (1)Vaayavyaan (birds and flying animals of midspace), (2)Graamyaan (cattle and domesticated animals), (3)Aaranyaan (wild animals). |
|||
Tasmaadh Yagnaath sarvahutha: sambhrutham prushadhaajyam |
|||
Pasun thaagumschakre Vaayavyaan Aaranyaan Graamyaasccha ye |
|||
{Rig Veda: 10.90.8} |
|||
In our Vedic tradition, prayers are offered for the well being of one and all, including the two-footed and the four footed (sam dhvipadhe, sam chathushpaadhe). Man is recognized as a component of the fraternity of all chethanams including some domesticated creatures, which the Vedas identifies as Graamya Pasu. These are five in number: (1) Asva (horse), (2) Go (Cow), (3) Aja (goat), (4) Avi (ewe) and (5) Manushya (man). |
|||
'''Kanu pidi''' |
|||
Kanu Pidi (கனுப்பொங்கல்) is a tradition that the ladies and young girls of the house follow. Women feed the birds and also pray for the well being of their |
|||
brothers. Women of the family place different kinds of coloured rice, cooked vegetables, banana and sweet pongal on a ginger or turmeric leaf and invite the crows, which descend in hordes to share and enjoy the "Kaka pidi, Kanu pidi" feast. Women offer prayers in the hope that the brother-sister ties may remain forever strong like the family of crows. |
|||
"Kakka-p-pidi Vaithen, Kanu-p-pidi vaithen, Kakkaiykkum Kurivikkum Kalyanam". |
|||
"Kakka-p-pidi vaithen, kanu-p-pidi vaithen, kakka-k-kootam pole enga koottamum kalayaama |
|||
irukkanum." |
|||
காக்கா பிடி வைத்தேன், கனு பிடி வைத்தேன், காக்காய்க்கும் குருவிக்கும் கல்யாணம் |
|||
காக்கா பிடி வைத்தேன், கனு பிடி வைத்தேன், காக்காய்க்கூட்டம் போல எங்கள் |
|||
கூட்டம் கைலயாமல் இருக்கனும். |
|||
Crows are normally offered food before we start eating. But on this day women offers the food that were prepared on the earlier day (Pongal day). |
|||
There are many lessons to be learned from the crow. First of all, if a crow finds some food, he will never eat it alone, but vanish for some time, call out all his friends and relatives, and jointly eat it, confirming the adage, “Good things should not be eaten alone” (Ekah Swadu Na Bhunjeedha). Secondly, the crows never fight with each other for food. Thirdly, they have such an excellent team spirit and co-operation. |
|||
The aroma of coconut rice, lemon rice, puliyodarai and such variety rice made our mouth water, because variety rice is a must on this day. |
|||
The Vedic Views are universal and the Mattu Pongal and Kanu Pidi fit into this overall order of things from the Vedic stand point. |
|||
'''Thiruvalluvar Day''' {திருவள்ளுவர் தினம்} |
|||
Thiruvalluvar Day is celebrated on the day after Pongal pandigai. Great |
|||
sage & poet Thiruvalluvar, believed to have born 30 (thirty) years before Jesus Christ. |
|||
(Refer http://www.tn.gov.in/literature/thiruvalluvar/thiruvalluvar.htm) Government of Tamil Nadu has created a Tamil Calendar and it is dated from that period and referred to as “Thiruvalluvar Aandu” (Year). Thirukkural, written by poet Thiruvalluvar, is the masterpiece of Tamil literature with the highest and purest expressions of human thought. It is written in the form of couplets (two line poems) expounding various aspects of life. It contains 1330 couplets, divided into 133 chapters of 10 couplets each. Thirukkural's immortality and universality are unquestionable. Its ethics and values are applicable to all religions, countries and time. It has been translated in over 60 languages of the world. Government |
|||
of Tamil Nadu and various organisation conducts programs on this Thiruvalluvar Day to honour the great sage and poet Thiruvalluvar. |
|||
==Kaanum Pongal== |
==Kaanum Pongal== |
||
Revision as of 17:38, 13 January 2010
| Pongal | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Observed by | Tamils / Indians |
| Type | Festival, Tamilnadu, India, Yazh Thamizhakam, Sri Lanka |
| Significance | Harvest festival. Thanking Nature for prosperity |
| Celebrations | Feasting, gift-giving, visiting homes |
| Date | First day of Thai in the Tamil calendar |
| 2024 date | |
Thai Pongal is a harvest festival event celebrated by Tamils across the world. Pongal coincides with the festival Makara Sankranthi celebrated in various parts of India. Pongal in Tamil means "boiling over or spill over." The act of boiling over of milk in the clay pot is considered to denote future wishes for the family.
Traditionally celebrated at harvest time, it's a celebration of the prosperity associated with the harvest by thanking the sun god, rain and the farm animals that have helped in the harvest. In villages, new clothes are worn and people owning cows find this festival important. Pongal is celebrated by the Indian state of Tamil Nadu as well as Tamils worldwide, including those in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mauritius, South Africa, USA, Canada and Singapore.
This festival originated in Tamil Nadu. The saying "Thai Pirandhal Vazhi Pirakkum" (தை பிறந்தால் வழி பிறக்கும்) meaning "the birth of the month of Thai will pave the way for new opportunities" is often quoted regarding the Pongal festival. Usually, the festival takes place January 12 — 15 (on the Gregorian calendar). The festival is celebrated four days from the last day of the Tamil month Maargazhi (December — January) to the third day of Thai (January — February).
History
The festival is at least 1000 years old although some believe that the festival is more than 2000 years old. As per epigraphic evidence, it used to be celebrated as Puthiyeedu during Medieval Chola empire days. It is thought that Puthiyeedu meant the first harvest of the year. [1][2][3] Tamils refer to Pongal as "Tamizhar Thirunal" (meaning "the festival of Tamils").
Bhogi
The first day, Bhogi, is celebrated by throwing away and destroying old clothes and materials, by setting them on fire, marking the end of the old Thai and the emergence of the new Thai.
Thai Pongal
The second day, Pongal, is the main day, falling on the first day of the Tamil month Thai (January 14 — 15). Also known as Sarkarai Pongal or Veetu Pongal, it is celebrated by boiling rice with fresh milk and jaggery in new pots, which are later topped with brown sugar, cashew nuts and raisins early in the morning and allowing it to boil over the vessel. This tradition gives Pongal its name.[3]
The moment the rice boils over and bubbles out of the vessel, the tradition is to shout of "Ponggalo Ponggal!" and blowing the sangu (a conch), a custom practiced during the festival to announce it was going to be a year blessed with good tidings. For Tamils, it is considered a good sign to watch it boil over, since it means that good luck and prosperity is forthcoming. Then New boiled rice is offered to the sun god during sunrise, a gesture which symbolises thanks to the sun and nature for providing prosperity. It is later served to the people present in the house for the ceremony. People also prepare savories and sweets such as vadai, murukku, payasam and visit each other and exchange greetings.
Mattu Pongal / Kanu Pongal / Thiruvalluvar Dayமாட்டுப்பொங்கல் / கனுப்பொங்கல் / திருவள்ளுவர் தினம்
On the day after Pongal or Makara Sankranthi, the animal kingdom is remembered and in particular, the cows, as they help farmers in different ways for agriculture. In Tamil Nadu, adventurous games, Jallikkattu or taming the wild bull contest, is the main event of this day and this is mostly seen in the villages. And in Andhra Pradesh, Cock-fight is organized.
Vedic Instructions to respect Domestic Cattle
Mattu Pongal Day is to show our recognition and affection to the Cattle and decorate them with garlands, apply kumkum on their foreheads and give good food.
Vedic literature points out that these animals belong to the human family and as such "deserve attention, kindness, care and protection". Atharva Veda, in its Pasu-vardhana Sooktham elaborates on animal husbandry and also presses the need of our (human) care and affection for them:
Ye graamya: Pasavo visvaroopa virupaa: santhobahudhaikaroopaa: Yaayushdanagre pra mumokthu: deva: prajaapathi prajaya samrarana: {Atharva Veda: II.34.4}
Rig-Veda points out three categories of animals (1)Vaayavyaan (birds and flying animals of midspace), (2)Graamyaan (cattle and domesticated animals), (3)Aaranyaan (wild animals).
Tasmaadh Yagnaath sarvahutha: sambhrutham prushadhaajyam Pasun thaagumschakre Vaayavyaan Aaranyaan Graamyaasccha ye {Rig Veda: 10.90.8}
In our Vedic tradition, prayers are offered for the well being of one and all, including the two-footed and the four footed (sam dhvipadhe, sam chathushpaadhe). Man is recognized as a component of the fraternity of all chethanams including some domesticated creatures, which the Vedas identifies as Graamya Pasu. These are five in number: (1) Asva (horse), (2) Go (Cow), (3) Aja (goat), (4) Avi (ewe) and (5) Manushya (man).
Kanu pidi
Kanu Pidi (கனுப்பொங்கல்) is a tradition that the ladies and young girls of the house follow. Women feed the birds and also pray for the well being of their brothers. Women of the family place different kinds of coloured rice, cooked vegetables, banana and sweet pongal on a ginger or turmeric leaf and invite the crows, which descend in hordes to share and enjoy the "Kaka pidi, Kanu pidi" feast. Women offer prayers in the hope that the brother-sister ties may remain forever strong like the family of crows.
"Kakka-p-pidi Vaithen, Kanu-p-pidi vaithen, Kakkaiykkum Kurivikkum Kalyanam". "Kakka-p-pidi vaithen, kanu-p-pidi vaithen, kakka-k-kootam pole enga koottamum kalayaama irukkanum."
காக்கா பிடி வைத்தேன், கனு பிடி வைத்தேன், காக்காய்க்கும் குருவிக்கும் கல்யாணம் காக்கா பிடி வைத்தேன், கனு பிடி வைத்தேன், காக்காய்க்கூட்டம் போல எங்கள் கூட்டம் கைலயாமல் இருக்கனும்.
Crows are normally offered food before we start eating. But on this day women offers the food that were prepared on the earlier day (Pongal day).
There are many lessons to be learned from the crow. First of all, if a crow finds some food, he will never eat it alone, but vanish for some time, call out all his friends and relatives, and jointly eat it, confirming the adage, “Good things should not be eaten alone” (Ekah Swadu Na Bhunjeedha). Secondly, the crows never fight with each other for food. Thirdly, they have such an excellent team spirit and co-operation. The aroma of coconut rice, lemon rice, puliyodarai and such variety rice made our mouth water, because variety rice is a must on this day.
The Vedic Views are universal and the Mattu Pongal and Kanu Pidi fit into this overall order of things from the Vedic stand point.
Thiruvalluvar Day {திருவள்ளுவர் தினம்}
Thiruvalluvar Day is celebrated on the day after Pongal pandigai. Great sage & poet Thiruvalluvar, believed to have born 30 (thirty) years before Jesus Christ. (Refer http://www.tn.gov.in/literature/thiruvalluvar/thiruvalluvar.htm) Government of Tamil Nadu has created a Tamil Calendar and it is dated from that period and referred to as “Thiruvalluvar Aandu” (Year). Thirukkural, written by poet Thiruvalluvar, is the masterpiece of Tamil literature with the highest and purest expressions of human thought. It is written in the form of couplets (two line poems) expounding various aspects of life. It contains 1330 couplets, divided into 133 chapters of 10 couplets each. Thirukkural's immortality and universality are unquestionable. Its ethics and values are applicable to all religions, countries and time. It has been translated in over 60 languages of the world. Government of Tamil Nadu and various organisation conducts programs on this Thiruvalluvar Day to honour the great sage and poet Thiruvalluvar.
Kaanum Pongal
During the final day, Kaanum Pongal (the word kaanum means "to view") people visit their relatives, friends to enjoy the festive season, but in the cities this day is synonymous with people flocking to beaches and theme parks to have a day out with their families. They also chew sugar cane and decorate their houses with kolam. This day is a day to thank relatives and friends for their support in the harvest. Although it started as a farmers festival, today it has become a national festival for all Tamils irrespective of their origins, caste or even religion. It is as popular in urban areas as is in rural areas.
Pongal is the one of the biggest festival in Tamilnadu. There will be 3 or 4 days continuous holidays announced by state government.
See also
Notes
References
- Saveri, Nicholapillai Maria (1996). Jaffna The Land of the Lute. Thirumarai Kalamanram Publications. p. 125. ISBN 09681597-0-2.
