Happy Pongal

Pongal is a festival when the natives of Andhra Pradesh, in particular the farmer community, celebrate the Sun God and the farm animals. In Andhra Pradesh, Pongal is celebrated with great pomp and show for 4 days. On Thai Pongal day, the entire family wakes up early in the morning take bath, wear new clothes and congregate in the courtyard to cook the customary Pongal (rice pudding). The eldest member of the family does the cooking of Pongal who is aided by the other members. When milk begins to trickles from the pot, everybody shouts "Pongalo Pongal". This very moment signifies a promising sign. Some of the cooked meal is then put aside as a sign of thanks giving to the sun, nature and farmers. Later the left food is shared among the family, friends and neighbors.