A southern Indian
harvest celebration that marks the changing of seasons and the sun's transition
into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, signaling the start of the sun's northward
journey (uttarayana).
This occurs on January 14th, according to Indian astrology;
in northern India, this day is known as Makara Sankranti.
Both indicate the sun's movement from a southerly to a
northerly direction, or from a less auspicious to a more fortunate direction.
Pongal celebrations extend for three days.
The Pongal of Joy (Bhogi Pongal) is the first day, when
people visit and exchange sweets and presents.
The Sun is honored on the second day (Surya Pongal).
On this day, married ladies make rice in milk and yell
"Pongal" ("It has cooked") when the pot reaches a boil.
The milk-rice is turned into sweets and handed to friends
after being presented to the Sun and the deity Ganesh.
Worshipers walk in a circle around cows as they are adorned,
garlanded, and venerated on the final day, Pongal of Cows (Mattu Pongal).
