The name Surya Pongal itself suggests that it is a day of the Pongal festival that is celebrated in dedication to the Sun God. He is worshipped as the Sun provides the main source of energy for the crops to grow. It is the first day of the month of Thai (Tamil month), and the second day of the Pongal festival. Everything related to the harvest season is experienced to the fullest during this day — the granaries overflow, the sun shines bright and the hearts of the people also brim with joy.
Preparations
The first and foremost thing for every pooja in a South Indian household is the drawing of the Kolam (patterns made with rice flour) in the entrance of the house and in the Pooja space. This is drawn mostly with colors during festivals. New rice from the freshly harvested crop and jaggery are used for Pongal on this day. Milk is added to the same pongal pot, and it is left to overflow as a symbol of prosperity and abundance. The members in the family cry out Pongal-o-Pongal in unison during this event.
Pooja
The Pongal in the pot, which is the Sakkarai Pongal, is served to the Sun God first during the pooja as Neivedhyam (sacred food offering). Along with the Sakkarai Pongal, sugarcanes and other delicacies are also placed in front of the Sun God. The pooja happens during the auspicious time and the Sun God is propitiated with prayers.
Delicacies
Since Pongal is the harvest festival and that it involves food, a lot a delicacies and food items are prepared and distributed during this festival. Two most important delicacies are Ven Pongal and Sakkarai Pongal. For the Pongal Pot either of two is used.
Ven Pongal, wherein Ven meaning white, is made when the Pongal pot is filled with freshly harvested rice, dal (lentils) and sugar. Another variety is the pongal made with rice, milk, dal and jaggery.
Throughout the festival of Pongal the Sun God is given utmost importance and the energy provided by the Sun is primordial for the existence of all beings.
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