Ponggal Photos, we did the Ponggal Ceremony in our own small compound. Aunty Kamachi, being the oldest senior left in our family encouraged us to perform it the traditional way. We have been doing this for years but not in our own garden. Here we shared our private moments with you

Another way of saying Ponggal is Thai Ponggal as it begins in the month of Thai. It is also a start to be in the festive mood in preparation of Thaipusam. So basically Ponggal is celebrated by most Hindus in the harvesting month, saying grace to God for a bountiful harvest.

In olden days, it is a three days festive celebration. First day, is sharing your harvest with friends, neighbors and relatives. Then the festival begins with the main event, boiling the milk and praying for another good year in their crops for the farmers. Second day is a festive day for the cows, Mattu Ponggal.
Having worked so hard, it is time to dress them up and say thanks to the cows. To the Hindus, cows are sacred to them. The third day is for young marriageable ladies, Kanni Ponggal. Young ladies will be adorned with all the family heirlooms and then prays for marriage to a good man, their life partner.

Getting the fire burning with paper, camphor and firewood

Ponggal Photos,Using a new earthen pot for cooking milk

Looking after the burning fire

We watched the milk overflowing

Wa laa, shouts of Ponggale! is heard

Good if you can perform this as the sun is rising in the morning

A lovely beautiful sight of meaningful and good year for family

Ponggal Photos, Time to add prepared sweetened rice, with ghee and nuts

Let it boil and cook for 15 mins

Add clarified butter or ghee

Cook a further 5 mins, slow fire

Will be good if you make the fire in your own garden

I love this specially prepared sweetened rice

A mug of boiled milk and a plate of sweetened rice

Happy Ponggal to all. :))