Ponggal: The Festival of Harvest

What is Ponggal? 

Ponggal, also spelled Pongal, is one of the most significant festivals celebrated by Tamil communities worldwide. Its roots trace back over 1,000 years to the Chola Dynasty (9th-13th centuries) in Tamil Nadu, South India. This ancient harvest festival was originally dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, in gratitude for a bountiful harvest. 

Historically, Ponggal served as a thanksgiving festival for farmers, who relied heavily on favourable weather conditions and fertile soil to sustain their livelihoods. The festival was seen as a way to your nature, specifically the sun, rain, and cattle — key elements that ensure a successful harvest. Ponggal is more than just a harvest festival — it embodies the values of gratitude, prosperity, and unity. It celebrates the intrinsic relationship between humans and nature, emphasising the importance of respecting the environment. 

The festival is deeply spiritual, involving prayers and rituals to express thankfulness for life’s blessings. Additionally, Ponggal is a time for renewal and hope. The festival marks the start of Thai, the Tamil month associated with new beginnings. A popular Tamil saying, “Thai Pirandhal Vazhi Pirakkum,” translates to “With the birth of Thai, new opportunities arise,” reflecting the optimism and joy that Ponggal brings.

The Four Days of Ponggal

While Ponggal is often referred to as a single festival, it actually spans four days, each with its own rituals and significance:

Day one - Bhogi

This day is dedicated to Lord Indra, the rain god, to thank him for bringing the rain to help agricultural growth. On this day, people discard old belongings in a symbolic gesture of getting rid of negativity and embracing renewal.

Day two - Thai Ponggal

The main day of the festival, Thai Ponggal, is when the traditional dish Ponggal is prepared. This dish is cooked outdoors in a clay pot, allowing the milk to boil over, signifying abundance and prosperity. The dish is first offered to the Sun God, symbolising gratitude for life and sustenance.

Day three - Mattu Ponggal 

This day is dedicated to cattle, particularly cows and bulls, which play a crucial role in farming. Cattle are bathed, decorated with garlands, and worshipped for their contribution to agriculture. In rural areas, bull races are held as part of the celebration.

Day four - Kaanum Ponggal

On the final day, families and friends gather to socialise, visit relatives, and exchange gifts. Kaanum Ponggal is a day of bonding and strengthening relationships, reflecting the communal aspect of the festival.

Ponggal : A Cultural Experience

On 14 January 2025, Crescendo International College’s courtyard was adorned with traditional decorations like marigold garlands and vibrant rangoli mat designs. I kicked off the celebration with an opening speech, welcoming the attendees and explaining the significance of Ponggal. Several meaningful and engaging activities followed:

1.  Milk pouring ceremony by Fang Kiam Hui, Executive Director

A special highlight of the event was the milk pouring ceremony conducted by Fang Kiam Hui, Executive Director of Crescendo International College. This symbolic ritual marks the beginning of the Ponggal cooking and represents abundance and prosperity. Fang Kiam Hui’s participation underscored the college’s commitment to supporting cultural diversity and inclusivity.

2. Ponggal cooking ritual

Following the milk pouring ceremony, students gathered to witness the traditional Ponggal cooking. Decorated pots were placed on stoves, and the cooking commenced with ingredients such as rice, milk, and jaggery. The ritual was highly interactive, with participants joining in the cooking process and offering their prayers for a prosperous year ahead. The key moment was when the milk boiled over, signifying a prosperous harvest.

3. Maha Aarti and Maha Bhog

After the cooking, a Maha Aarti prayer ceremony was held, where attendees lit lamps and chanted sacred hymns, expressing gratitude for the harvest. The prepared Ponggal was then offered to the deities as Maha Bhog, a sacred offering symbolising the spiritual connection between the harvest and the divine.

4.  Food distribution

The celebration continued with the distribution of food, where attendees were served the prepared Ponggal along with traditional Tamil delicacies like Vadai and Sambar. This part of the event fostered interaction among students and faculty, creating an atmosphere of joy and unity.

5. Closing speech and picture session

I then closed the ceremony with a speech thanking everyone for their participation and reflecting on the success of the Ponggal celebration. A group photo session followed, capturing the festive spirit and sense of togetherness.

Why celebrating Ponggal matters

Cultural celebrations like Ponggal are vital in educational institutions, especially those with diverse student bodies. In today’s interconnected world, where students from various cultural backgrounds come together to learn, cultural events play a crucial role in promoting inclusivity, cultural awareness, and a sense of belonging. By singing and participating in these celebrations, students not only gain insights into different cultures but also develop mutual respect, empathy, and a broader worldview.

Ponggal, offers a unique opportunity for non-Tamil students to experience a rich cultural heritage and understand the deep-rooted values of gratitude, unity, and prosperity that the festival embodies. The act of gathering around to witness the cooking of Ponggal rice and participating in traditional rituals allows students to engage directly with customs they may not have encountered before. This experiential learning fosters cross-cultural dialogue and strengthens bonds between students from different backgrounds.

Moreover, celebrating Ponggal provides a platform for Tamil students to take pride in their cultural identity and share it with their peers. It is a way to preserve their heritage while contributing to the cultural fabric of the institution. The event also serves as a reminder that diversity is not just about co-existing but about actively appreciating and celebrating differences.

Logean studies Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in Malaysia.