Why is Pongal celebrated..? Do you know the history?

Sowmiya Sriram
Why is pongal celebrated..? Do you know the history?
Two different stories are told to celebrate Pongal. One of them is about shiva and Nandi. Another is about krishna and Indra. pongal is considered to be one of the most important festivals celebrated in South India, especially in tamil Nadu. It is celebrated as Makara sankranti in northern parts of India. Apart from tamil Nadu, this festival is also celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala. Celebrated annually in the first week of the month of Thai, the festival of 'Pongal' is seen as a grand festival that reflects the tradition and culture of the farmers. pongal is celebrated for four days as the sun sets on the southernmost point of the hemisphere and begins its journey northward. Accordingly, this year it is celebrated from january 15 to january 18.
Thai month is considered as the most important and auspicious month by the public every year. people believe that many good changes will happen in their lives and their problems will be solved in this month. This is the season for harvesting paddy, sugarcane, and turmeric. In this month people do a lot of auspicious things like engagements, weddings, and new housewarmings.
Do you know the history of Pongal..?
According to Puranic period history, two different stories are told to celebrate Pongal. One of them is about shiva and Nandi. Another is about krishna and Indra.
Story: 1
Lord shiva sent his bull Nandi to earth and sent a message to the people to bathe with oil on their heads every day and eat food once a month. When Nandi went to Earth, he was disturbed and advised the people to eat daily and take oil baths once a month. Angered by this, Lord shiva cursed Nandi to spend eternity on earth. Nandi was also given the responsibility of plowing the fields and helping the people in producing more food. As a result, cattle are said to be helpful in harvesting crops for fresh produce until now.
Story: 2
According to the Puranas, indra is the king of all gods. Thus, he is said to be highly conceited. At that time, Krishna, who was still a child, told all the cowherds not to worship indra and to stop. As a result, an angry indra sent clouds to cause havoc with thunder lightning rains, and floods. Knowing this, Lord krishna lifts the Govardhana mountain to protect the people and all the cattle and blesses Indra. This broke Indra's anger and asked krishna for forgiveness. It is said that pongal is celebrated as an event to celebrate this.

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