Pongal is a unique festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu in January (the month of thai in local calendar) after the abatement of winter. The festival is in the honor of the sun god and spans three days. On the first day called Bhogi Pongal homes are thoroughly cleaned and people spend time with their families. The second day is called Surya Pongal, when image of the sun god is drawn on a plank placed in the courtyard and worshipped. A delicious dish called ‘Pongal’ is prepared on this day.
The third day is Mattu Pongal, when farmers express their thanks to the cattle for their services. The cattle are washed; their horns are painted and are covered with shining metal caps. Multi-coloured beads, tinkling bells, sheaf’s of corn and flower garlands are tied around their necks. They are fed with pongal and taken to the village centres. In many places ‘jellikettu’ is organized. Jellikkettu is a peculiar bull fight in which unarmed men try to wrest moneybags tied to ferocious bulls’ necks. Deaths and serious injuries are usual in Jellikkettu. Experience the unique tradition of Pongal with Indian Festival Tours .
CHECK-IN/OUT TIME AT THE HOTELS IS 12 NOON
This programme
can be tailor made to suite the number of days you have in
hand yet showing you this spectacular Festival.
(Festival dates
are based on local calendar and subject to change)
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