January 16,2024
Tuesday
Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated by the Tamil community. It is a celebration to thank the Sun, Mother Nature and the various farm animals that help to contribute to a bountiful harvest. Celebrated over four days, Pongal also marks the beginning of the Tamil month called Thai, which is considered an auspicious month. It usually falls on the 14th or 15th of January each year.
Pongal is also the name of the dish made and eaten during this festival. It is a mixture of boiled sweet rice. It is derived from the Tamil word pongu, which means “to boil over”.
Pongal 2024: Significance
For Tamilians, Pongal festivities are very important. Tamil Nadu residents firmly think that this month, which is known as Thai month, brings about beneficial changes in their lives and helps them overcome their issues. This is the time of year when rice, sugarcane, and turmeric are harvested. This month is seen to be fortunate for engagements, marriages, and all other religious and spiritual endeavours.
Pongal is celebrated for a period of 4 days and each day has a specific corresponding ritual.
Day 1 - Bhogi Pongal
Day 2 - Surya Pongal
Day 3 - Mattu Pongal
Day 4 - Kaanum Pongal
Today we the students of GCTE Thycaud celebrated Pongal. The entire program for the day was conducted by the Tamil Department. The guest today was Dr. Nayanar, a professor of University College( Tamil Department) . The prayer song for this program was sung by the children of the Tamil department. The welcome speech of this program was given by Kumar sir. The presidential address was given by Dr AV Sujith sir. This program was felicitated by Santhosh sir ,Rajashree teacher and Omanaseelan sir. Then everyone who knows Tamil in college told about the special features of Pongal in Tamil. This is my first time participating in Pongal celebration. Vignesh said vote of thanks for this program.
As part of the Pongal celebration, we got payasam from the college. After all these , there were games. Mainly sugarcane eating competition in which I participated. Children performed not only games but also songs and dances.
The Rangoli competition was held in the afternoon. It was a different experience for me. So I celebrated Pongal for the first time in my life and that too with GCTV family. I am so happy today.
