Time is relative. While 24 hours is but a day in the mortal world, in the celestial world it takes 6 months by man's count for a night to pass. As dawn breaks in the celestial world the Sun has ended Its Dakshinayanam journey (southwards) and begins Its Uttarayanam journey (northward). For the next six months (by man's count of course) the days will be longer, sunnier and auspicious.

Good times are further signaled by the harvest of rice. The farmers are flush with money and it is now time to thank the Sun, rain and cattle for their part in reaping a good harvest and time to rejoice in family and unity. It is thus with much anticipation the 1st day of the Tamil month Thai (considered to fall on January 14th) is awaited to celebrate Thai Pongal.

Originally, Pongal was a festival of the South Indian Tamil farmers dating from the Sangam Age (from 200 BC to 300 AD) where, during Margazhi (December), young girls observed a code of penance and prayed to Goddess Katyayani for rain and prosperity. The 1st day of the following month, Thai, ended their penance. Though time has lost most of these customs, the tail-ends of this festival are still celebrated amongst the entire Tamil community and not only just amongst farmers.

To the farmer, this is still a ceremony to thank nature for its unstinted support. To the rest of the Tamil community this is both an opportunity to thank the farmer for his produce as well as a communal bonding with fellow Tamils across the world.

Pongal essentially means a spillover. However, this is not one ceremony but a 4 day festival for peace and prosperity, forgetting and forgiving grievances and renewing relationships. The 1st day of Thai Pongal, falls on the 13th of January, is the Bhogi Pongal. This is dedicated to Lord Indra - the supreme ruler of cloud and rains.

Legend has it that Lord Indra, once the king of all deities was puffed with importance. Lord Krishna wanting to teach Lord Indra a lesson on humility asked all cowherds to worship Mountain Govardhan instead of Lord Indra. When Lord Indra realized that He was no longer venerated the angered Lord sent thunder storms and continuous rain. Lord Krishna simply lifted the entire Mountain Govardhan on His little finger and saved the people. When Lord Indra saw Lord Krishna's powers, He asked for forgiveness and only then was He allowed to be worshipped again, resulting in Bhogi Pongal.

As a ritual the entire family thoroughly cleans the house and readies for the main Pongal ceremony, which take place the following day. Old and unwanted items are thrown into a bonfire, which is kept burning throughout the night and girls dance singing praises of gods, spring and harvest.

Surya Pongal is the most important of ceremonies and the only celebration of many city-dwellers. This is dedicated to the Sun. The household gather in front of the house where they draw kolam designs.

Kolam is an artistically drawn decoration of cosmic interest using colored or plain flour. This depicts happiness and prosperity and as ants and insects feed on the kolam's rice flour, it also signifies man's concern for all living creatures. Kolam and its thick red border are believed to prevent evil and other undesirable elements entering the house.

At the centre of the kolam is a lump of cow dung holding a 5 petal pumpkin flower. This is both the symbol of fertility and an offering of peace to the reigning deity. Within the kolam's perimeters a 3-brick stove is set up facing east to cook the Pongal rice. As the first Sun rays touch the kolam, the hearth is lit and a clay pot decorated with mango leaves and filled with water and milk is placed. When the milk boils over, the family head adds rice and the other Pongal ingredients to the chanting of "Pongal! Pongal!" This is first offered to the Sun and then shared amongst family and friends and finally fed to the birds and cattle.

Mattu Pongal is the day for the cows. Legend has it that Lord Shiva asked His bull Basava to go to Earth and tell people to bath everyday and eat once a month. Basava however got it mixed up and delivered the message as eat everyday and bath once a month. Since now people need to produce more the annoyed Lord sent Basava back to help people toil the land. On this day, in appreciation of the cattle's part, they are bathed, decorated, pampered and fed with Pongal rice.

Kaanum Pongal is for visiting friends and family and exchanging of gifts. Here sisters especially inquire after their brothers' welfare. This is generally a holiday of picnicking and relaxing with loved ones.