Thaiponggal is a three to five days thanks giving festival celebrated in the second week of January, usually January 14th or 15th. The period marks the northward progression of the sun (
uttarayana) after the winter solstice. Thaiponggal (or ponggal) is primarily a harvest festival and thus a day of thanks giving to Mother Earth and the Sun, on which crops that provide food and commerce depend. While this harvest festival is celebrated in many Indian communities (it is Makar Sankaranti in the North, Pedda Pedunga in Andhra Pradesh and others) the South Indian Thaiponggal is the most festive. Encompassing five days of celebration there are many customs associated with it, such as the drawing of kolams, home gatherings, temple festival, bull racing and much more. Easily the most comprehensive website on Thaiponggal can be found at
www.pongalfestival.org. From kolam designs to recipes, history, legends, regional celebrations and much more this site offers a one stop information portal on this important Indian cultural festival.
