Why Is Pongal Celebrated? Pongal is a four-day harvest festival celebrated across Tamil Nadu, marking the joy of a successful harvest and the spirit of togetherness. The word Pongal means “to boil over,” a beautiful symbol of abundance, prosperity, and overflowing blessings. On this day, fresh rice, milk, and jaggery are cooked together and offered to Surya, the Sun God, as a mark of respect and gratitude. The festival honours the land, the rain, the cattle, and the tools that make life and harv