Religious Fervor and Gaiety Mark Pongal Celebrations Across Tamil Nadu; Jallikattu Begins in Madurai
CHENNAI, Jan 15 — Pongal, the harvest festival of the Tamils, was celebrated across Tamil Nadu on Thursday with immense religious fervor and gaiety, as millions of devotees ushered in the auspicious month of 'Thai' by worshipping the Sun God.
The four-day festivities, which began yesterday with 'Bhogi'—marked by the burning of old belongings to symbolize renewal—reached their zenith today with Thai Pongal.
Rituals and Traditions
From dawn, households were abuzz with activity. People dressed in new traditional attire and gathered in their courtyards to prepare 'Sweet Pongal,' a signature dish made of freshly harvested rice, jaggery, milk, and moong dal.
The dish is traditionally cooked in earthen pots decorated with turmeric and ginger plants. As the milk boiled over, the air filled with the joyous cry of "Pongalo Pongal," symbolizing the overflow of abundance and prosperity. The offering was then dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) as a thanksgiving gesture for a bountiful harvest.
Jallikattu Kicks Off in Madurai
The festive spirit was palpable in the temple town of Madurai, where the world-renowned Jallikattu (bull-taming sport) season commenced today. The first major event was held at Avaniyapuram, inaugurated by State Minister P. Moorthy.
Strict safety protocols were in place as nearly 1,100 bulls and 550 tamers participated in the high-adrenaline event. This will be followed by events in Palamedu tomorrow and the grand finale in Alanganallur on Saturday.
Leaders Extend Greetings
Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, and leaders across the political spectrum extended their greetings to the people.
In his message, CM Stalin expressed hope that the festival would bring prosperity to every home, stating that the joy of Pongal would "multiply" under the state's governance model. Governor Ravi highlighted the festival's role in strengthening the bond between nature and humanity.
The Days Ahead: Maattu and Kaanum Pongal
The festivities will continue tomorrow (Jan 16) with Maattu Pongal, a day dedicated to cattle worship. Farmers will decorate their bulls and cows—vital partners in agriculture—with garlands, paint their horns, and parade them through village streets.
Simultaneously, women will perform the "Kannu Pidi" ritual. In this tradition, colored rice balls are placed on turmeric leaves and offered to crows and other birds, accompanied by prayers for the well-being and longevity of their brothers.
The celebrations will conclude on Saturday (Jan 17) with Kaanum Pongal (Sightseeing Pongal). On this day, families traditionally throng public spots like beaches and parks.
Security Tightened in Chennai
Anticipating massive crowds, the Chennai Police have made elaborate security arrangements. Over 16,000 police personnel will be deployed across the city on Saturday.
At the iconic Marina Beach, which typically turns into a "sea of humanity," authorities have set up temporary watchtowers and prohibited sea bathing to prevent drowning incidents.