Pongal is a popular harvest festival in
South India. Named after a sweet rice dish, Pongal
starts on January 14 of each year. The celebration lasts for three
days. On the first day, Pongal is offered to Bhogi or Indran
(the rain gods) for providing rain for the harvest. On the second day,
pongal is offered to the sun (Surya). On the third
day, the family's cattle (mattu) is cleaned and dressed up with
flowers, bells, and color powder. This is the day to honor the cattle's
hard work for plowing the fields.
Festivities vary in different regions. Some families
clean their houses and throw away old clothes. But the main
activity involves people from the entire village. Neighbors get together
for a community feast to share their crops and give thanks to all who
have contributed to a successful harvest.
the world. There are 24 spoken languages in India but more than
half of its population can speak English. More than 80% of Indians
are Hindus. Other religion groups include Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, and Sikhs.