The Pongal celebration by the south Indian community here has turned the Silk City colourful.
It is an ancient festival of south India, particularly of the Telugus and Tamils, whose history can be traced back to the Sangam Age. Although the Pongal originated as a Dravidian harvest festival with references in the Sanskrit Puranas, historians identify the festival with the Thai Un and Thai Niradal which are believed to have been celebrated during the Sangam Age.
As part of the festivities, maidens of the Sangam era observed ‘Pavai Nonbu’ at the time of Thai Niradal which was a major festival during the reign of the Pallavas (4th to 8th Century AD). It was observed during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January). During this festival, young girls prayed for rain and prosperity of the country. Throughout the month, they avoided milk and milk products. They would not oil their hair and refrain from using harsh words while speaking. Women used to bath early in the morning. They worshiped the idol of Goddess Katyayani, carved out of wet sand. They used to finish their penance on the first day of the month of Thai (January-February). The penance was observed to bring abundant rains to flourish the paddy. The tradition and custom of ancient times gave rise to Pongal celebrations.
The two most popular legends are related to lord Shiva and lord Indra. According to a legend, once Shiva asked his bull, Basava, to go to the earth and ask the mortals to have an oil massage and bath every day and eat once a month. Inadvertently, Basava announced that everyone should eat daily and have an oil bath once a month. This mistake enraged Shiva who then cursed Basava, banishing him to live on the earth forever. He would have to plough the fields and help people to produce more food. This is how the day is associated with cattle.
According to another legend, lord Krishna in his childhood decided to teach a lesson to lord Indra who became arrogant after becoming the king of all deities. Krishna asked all the cowherds to stop worshiping lord Indra. This angered lord Indra who sent cloud for thunderstorm and incessant rains for three days. lord Krishna lifted Mount Govardhan to save all the humans. later, lord Indra realised his mistake and divine power of Krishna.
The festival is spread over three days. A special puja is performed on the first day of the Pongal before the cutting of the paddy. Farmers worship the sun and the earth by anointing their ploughs and sickles with sandal wood paste. It is with these consecrated tools that the newly harvested rice is cut.
Each of the three days is marked by different festivities. The first day, Bhogi Pongal, is meant for the family. Surya Pongal, the second day, is dedicated to the worship the sun. Boiled milk and jiggery is offered to the sun. The third day, Mattu Pongal, is for worship of the cattle known as Mattu. Cattle are bathed, their horns polished and painted in bright colours and garlands of flowers are placed around their necks.
The Telugu community, which has a sizeable population here, has geared up to observe the festival. Boys and girls came out of their home early in the morning and burnt dry woods to make the atmosphere warm and enjoyable with absolute harmony and peace. Colourful rangoli, traditional bonfire and cultural shows marked the beginning of the festival.
“We prepare several types of dishes and cakes at home and thereafter visit brother-in-law’s house for celebration of the occasion,” said a well known businessman of Bhapur Bazar Moningi lakshmikant.
Several girls staged Dandia dance in the morning to appease lord Krishan and Radha. Clad in new dresses, Telugus greeted each other. They distributed “pongali” a sort of sweetmeat prepared from newly harvested rice, dal, jiggery, dry fruits, sugar and milk among their friends, relatives and neighbours. There is an unprecedented rush in parks, hotels, and temples for such celebration.