Pongal

(Kindly note that the order in which each person’s dialogues have
been given is the exact same order which we will be following during
our presentation. Thank You.

Vedant: ‘What is Pongal’

Content: Pongal, also referred to as Thai Pongal, is a multi-day Hindu
Harvest festival celebrated by Tamils in India and Sri Lanka. It is observed
at the start of the month ‘Thai’ according to the Tamil solar calendar and
this festival is celebrated usually on January 14 or January 15 depending
on the sun's orbit around earth that particular year. It is dedicated to the
sun god, Surya, and corresponds to Makar Sankranti, the harvest festival
under many regional names celebrated throughout India.

Sohum: ‘Why is Pongal celebrated’

Content: According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Shiva once asked Basava,
a bull, to visit the Earth and ask the Human to have an oil massage and
bath every day. But Basava announced that eat daily and have an oil bath
once a month. This makes Lord Shiva furious, and he cursed the Basava
to live on the Earth forever and said that Basava must plough the fields
and help people produce more food. Hence, people after harvesting
celebrate this festival with crops and cattle.

Shaurya: The first day of Pongal is called ‘Bhogi Pongal’. It is a day where

cleaning and discarding of old belongings are carried out to signify a fresh start.
New clothes are worn, houses are decorated in the spirit of the festivity.  
The second day is the main day of Pongal and is celebrated as ‘Surya
Pongal’. On this day, the Sun God is honoured. Colourful decorative
floor patterns called ‘kolam’ are drawn at the entrance of one’s home,
and each household cooks a pot of fresh rice with milk at auspicious
timings.
Karan:
The third day of Pongal is called ‘Maatu Pongal’.  This day is devoted to
honour and worship the cattle to remember the work they do –
ploughing the land. Cows are bathed and adorned with multi-coloured
beads, flower garlands, and bells. In Singapore, thanksgiving prayers
would be conducted for the cattle at some dairy farms owned by
Indians.

The fourth day of Pongal is called ‘Kaanum Pongal’. On this day,

importance is given to the community and to strengthen ties. Families
gather to have a sumptuous meal. Younger members seek the blessings
of the older members of their families. It is also a day for traditional
Indian folk dances such as mayilattam and kolattam.

Vedant (Yatharth not anymore): Pongal

Contents: The festival's most significant practice is the preparation of
the traditional "Pongal" dish. It utilizes freshly harvested rice and is
prepared by boiling it in milk and jaggery. Sometimes additional
ingredients are added to the sweet dish, such as cardamon and raisins.
Other ingredients include coconut and ghee. Along with the sweet
version of the Pongal dish, some prepare other versions such as salty
and savoury (Ven Pongal).