Pongal is the most special time for the farmers when they have harvested their crops and they have enough resources to enjoy a feast with their family and friends.
Highlight
- This year Thai Pongal will be celebrated on 14 January 2021.
- Pongal is celebrated as a harvest festival in southern India.
- To increase the spread of Pongal eating, we bring 6 delicious dishes.
Pongal is just around the corner and the nation is gearing up to celebrate one of the first festivals of the year with pomp and enthusiasm. An important festival for the people of Southern India, Pongal marks the beginning of Uttarayana – the subsequent journey of the Sun for a period of six months. It is also celebrated as a harvest festival and follows Lohri, Makar Sankranti and Bhogali Bihu in different parts of the country. Pongal is a 4-day affair that begins with the Bhogi festival and ends with Kannum Pongal. The main festival is celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month ‘Thai’; Therefore, Pongal is often called Thai Pongal.
When is Pongal 2021? Date, time and importance:
This year the 4-day festival will start on 13 January 2021 and end on 16 January.
- January 13, 2021: A day before Thai Pongal is celebrated as Bogi Pandigai. On this day people clean and decorate their homes.
- January 14, 2021: This is the main festival day called Thai Pongal. On this day people make Pongal – a mixture of rice milk and jaggery, with ghee and dry fruits. Pongal is then offered to the Sun God as a gratitude for the good harvest. Traditionally, people spill milk while preparing Pongal as a sign of prosperity. (Thai Pongal Sankranti Moment- 8:29 AM)
- January 15, 2021: The next day is called Mattu Pongal, when the devotees are decorated with swings and worshiped.
- January 16, 2021: The 4-day festival ends with Kannum Pongal, when families gather for the festival with the spread of traditional food.
(Source: drikpanchang.com)
Read also: Pongal 2021: 5 Traditional Pongal Recipes That Must Try This Festive Season
Pongal 2021 Recipe: Complete menu with recipe for festive fair:
While during Pongal, Sakkarai Pongal (sweet Pongal) is a must, many other traditional dishes make the festival a delicious one. We have hand-picked 6 such traditional dishes for your family and friends that can help you indulge in a fabulous Pongal lunch. let’s look:
6 Pongal 2021-Special Recipes For You:
Medu Vada:
One of the most popular food items in South India, it is a hot and crisp donation-like savory item that can be enjoyed anytime of the day. Pair it with coconut chutney and make a delicious starter to set the tone for eating. Click here for the recipe.
avial:
Rice is an important part of every South Indian meal. And to pair with it, we have this super tasty avial recipe that includes carrots, beans, drumsticks, yam etc. and topped with cumin and curry leaf tempering. Click here for the recipe.
Read also: Pongal 2021: Get Healthy with These Delicious Millet Based Pongal Recipes
Rasam
No South Indian meal is ever complete without consuming rasam, rice and papad. Keeping this in mind, we bring a quick rasam recipe that can make your meal lavish. Click here for the recipe.
Sugar beet
We also got a special Pachadi recipe that will add the taste of the season to your food. This is a winter-special beetroot. Pavadi made with different vegetables and fruits is called South Indian style fresh pickle. Click here for the recipe.
Read also: Pongal 2021: Why do people prevent rice and milk from flowing during the Pongal ceremony
Sakarai Pongal
Sweet Pongal is a must during the Pongal festival, as mentioned earlier. Therefore, there is a traditional Pongal recipe for you for the occasion. Click here for the recipe.
Read also: Pongal 2021: importance of Wayne Pongal and how to make it
Moong dal payasam
Payasam means Kheer in South-Indian cuisine. And as we all know, Kheer is a traditional dessert that holds a constant place in every traditional meal. Here is a moong dal pesam recipe made with mixed moong dal instead of rice. Click here for the recipe.
Happy Pongal 2021, everyone!
