Pongal Festival *Every year*

Often known as the harvesting festival, Pongal is one of the biggest festivals celebrated in India's Southern part. It is primarily celebrated in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Puducherry. Pongal comes from Tamil Literature, which means to boil or to overflow. It is a celebration to thank Sun God, Mother Earth and various other farm animals that helps farmers to contribute to a bountiful harvest. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva instructed Basava (Bull) to visit the Earth and ask the Human to bathe and receive an oil massage every day. Nevertheless, Basava (Bull) declared that he would eat daily and take a bath once a month. Angry, Lord Shiva condemned the Bull (Basava) to dwell on Earth forever and told him that he must plough the fields to increase food production for mankind. Therefore, the mythology is followed to date, and people observe this festival with crops and cattle after harvesting. Pongal goes way back in the Sangam age from 200BC to 300AD. During this era, Pongal was celebrated as Thai Niradal, and it also marks the beginning of the auspicious Tamil Month called Tai. Also, in the olden days, the festival was marked by unmarried girls fasting and performing rituals,praying to God to save their agricultural prosperity of the country. They would not take any dairy products or oil their hair for one month. In fact, they would also bound themselves to take their ceremonial bath early in the morning only and prohibit the use of any harsh words. These festivities paved the way to today's Pongal. To put it differently, one should not miss witnessing Pongal, the festival of new beginnings. It could be an unforgettable experience for travellers who enjoy discovering and learning about Southern India's culture. The festival observes on January 14 every year in the country. The dates are also shared by other festivals across India like Makarsankranti, Bihu, Lohri, International Kite festival, etc.