Pongal 2024: Significance, Stories & Sarees

Introduction

Pongal, a lively harvest celebration, is exceptionally popular in South Indian states such as Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and others. It symbolises the ideal harvest season, celebrated in mid-January, and pays appreciation to the sun god for a plentiful output. Its date alters from year to year according to the solar calendar. In this blog, you will discover What is Pongal festival, Stories about this festival and the importance of wearing Sarees as holy attire on this festival. So, Let’s dive into knowing about Pongal 2024: Significance, Stories & Sarees.

 

What is Pongal festival? What is its connection with the Indian Culture?

So, what is Pongal festival? The name “Pongal” itself refers to the traditional dish of boiling rice in milk, symbolizing prosperity. Families gather to express gratitude, creating a festive atmosphere with colourful decorations and traditional rituals. It signifies unity, abundance, and agricultural heritage, fostering a sense of community and thankfulness for the blessings of nature. Pongal 2024 celebrates the end of the winter harvest season by thanking the sun god for abundant crop productivity. Farmers rejoice in the rewards of their labour and dedication. 

The significance of Pongal is honours Surya, a celestial god who represents love and wealth. The ceremonial act of cooking the first rice crop in pots until they overflow, known as “Pongal,” is an offering to the sun. It is a time for communities to get together and savour the joy of prosperity. The exchanging of traditional delights and meals generates a sense of community and connection. Pongal 2024 appearing on 15th January 2024, is seen as a period of rejuvenation and the start of auspicious opportunities. Homes are cleaned and new items are purchased, reflecting a new beginning and bringing wealth.

Read Also: 6 Sarees To Flaunt This Pongal Festival

Pongal 2024 date

Pongal 2024 date is on January 15, 2024. The event is traditionally held over four days, with each day having its meaning and customs. Pongal is traditionally celebrated from January 14 to January 17, with the primary festival, referred to as Thai Pongal, taking place on the subsequent day of the Tamil period of Thai, which occurs on January 14 or 15. The exact date varies every year as it is based on the Tamil calendar.

Popular legends behind Pongal

Pongal has agrarian origins that date back to the Dravidian civilization. It is strongly related to the Tamil solar calendar, marking the change from Margazhi to Thai. The celebration marks the end of the winter solstice and the start of the harvest season. It is related to Lord Indra, the rain god, according to one mythological narrative. The residents of the region were experiencing a severe drought and pleaded to the Hindu deity Indra for rain. Indra, overjoyed with their loyalty, gave rainfall, which produced an abundance of produce. Bhogi Pongal, the first day of Pongal, is devoted to God Bhogi. God Bhogi is said to have exterminated the monster Bhogi, symbolising the triumph of virtue over vice. 

 

On 15th January, individuals throw away old items and kindle a bonfire to symbolise the end of negativity. Surya Pongal, the second day, is devoted to the worship of the celestial god, Surya. According to legend, a farmer once fed a hungry visitor who later revealed himself to be the god Surya in exile. Surya granted the farmer a magnificent yield as a token of his appreciation. Mattu Pongal commemorates livestock and is related to Krishna, the Hindu deity, on the third day. Krishna is said to have lifted the Govardhan Hill as a young cowherd to shield the people and cattle from the curse of God Indra’s thunderstorms, and the hill is dedicated to honouring cattle for their value in farming. Farmers decorate cattle, especially cows, to show their admiration for the animals’ services to agriculture. These legends showcase the significance of Pongal in our rich culture.

Suggested read: Recipes for the Tamilian harvest festival

Types of Pongal from North to South

In Tamil Nadu, the festival is commonly referred to as Pongal, as is the meal that is prepared during the occasion. Pongal is a sweet rice dish that is made with jaggery, milk, and other seasonings. Makar Sankranti is the name given to the festival in northern India, mainly in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. It signals the end of winter and the start of longer days. 

 

The celebration is known as Lohri in Punjab. It is marked by bonfires, dances, and the distribution of sesame seeds, jaggery, and peanuts. The celebration is called Uttarayan in Gujarat. During this time, people fly kites, and it is a prominent cultural event in the state. Pongal is called Magh Bihu in Assam. The festival includes communal feasts, local Assamese contests, and bonfire lightings. Poush Sankranti is the name given to the celebration in West Bengal. It stands out by fairs, feasts, and the making of ancient jaggery and sesame delicacies.

 

Significance of Styling Sarees during Pongal

Sarees are recognised as the iconic look in South Indian customs, particularly during the Pongal 2024 festival, reflecting traditional values and regional aesthetics. They are regarded as the finest Pongal 2024 festival attire. Sarees are profoundly ingrained in South India’s cultural tapestry. They represent the region’s rich past and customs which makes them an obvious option for celebratory occasions such as Pongal. Pongal is an occasion profoundly steeped in South Indian farming tradition, and sarees represent the region’s customary apparel. 

 

Julahaa Sarees Pongal Collection 2024

Choosing a saree on Pongal shows appreciation for the festival’s heritage and customs. Silk sarees from Kanjeevaram and Pochampally are popular during Pongal. Julahaa Sarees – Pongal Sarees Collection 2024 is an amazing choice. These sarees are noted for their luxury feel, elaborate designs, and vivid colours, which lend a touch of opulence to the festivities. It’s a harvest festival, and sarees come in a rainbow of colours to represent the wealth of the crop. Popular colours include turmeric yellow, fortunate red, and earthy green, which convey the spirit of abundance and success. Julahaa’s Pongal saree collection 2024 is on its way to leading saree merchants in Pongal-celebrating states.

 

Tradition of Sarees during Pongal

South India has a wide range of saree draping techniques, each with its distinct beauty. The nine-yard Madisar worn by Tamil Brahmin ladies or the Nauvari saree draped in Maharashtra brings variety and history to Pongal celebrations. Sarees are frequently embellished with traditional temple jewels, emphasising the occasion’s cultural and spiritual significance. These exquisite jewels enhance the saree’s elegance and add to the festive look. 

 

Many families have a long heritage of passing down silk sarees from generation to generation. Wearing such historical sarees at Pongal not only connects people to their ancestors but also offers a sense of continuation and cultural pride. Wearing a saree at Pongal expresses a deep respect for cultural values and rituals.

 

Top Tier Celebrities Who Have Slayed in South Indian Sarees

In gorgeous Kanjivaram Silk Sarees, Rekha gracefully celebrates her southern roots. She is a saree fashion trendsetter, and she wears it with confidence, mixing it with elegant jewels, bright and colourful makeup, and a dash of the sindoor. Deepika Padukone, a talented artist, graciously acknowledges her southern ancestry by wearing Kanjivaram Silk Sarees. Her bridal outfit and recurring choices show elegance, simplicity, and class. With her timeless elegance, Sridevi, a global Bollywood diva, left an everlasting impact. She is often seen wearing gorgeous silk sarees, particularly the graceful Kanjivaram, and she is an inspiration to others who want to embrace traditional weaving. 

 

Hema Malini wears the traditional Kanjivaram silk saree on numerous occasions, demonstrating its adaptability. She chooses simple elegance over expensive adornment, demonstrating how Kanjivaram silk sarees seamlessly adapt to varied styles and ages. Vidya Balan, a well-known actress, is well-known for effortlessly displaying her affection for Kanjivaram silk sarees that flatter people of diverse complexions, body shapes, and personal tastes. Julahaa Sarees’ new Pongal Saree Collection 2024 stands out just the same as these timeless styling queens.

 

Conclusion

Pongal’s popular affinity for sarees generates a sense of community togetherness. When people dress in traditional costumes, it generates visual harmony and a shared cultural experience, which enhances the joyful atmosphere. Pongal 2024 embodies the spirit of thanksgiving, plenty, and cultural richness via the donning of exquisite clothing such as Sarees, making it a treasured and significant event. 

 

Julahaa is India’s fastest-growing saree brand with the most demand coming for its festival collections! Sarees are more than just garments; they are carriers of one’s cultural individuality, bearing evidence to the everlasting history of customs and festivities such as the festival of Pongal. Julahaa celebrates the spirit of Pongal and harvest festivals across India by making festival wear sarees that suit the occasion to the dot. Check out Julahaa Sarees’ newest Pongal Saree collection 2024.