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Question

Pongal festival is celebrated for four days in Tamil Nadu. What is the fourth day of Pongal called?

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2019 (Tier 2) GS Finance & Economics Previous Year Paper (17-Nov-2020)
The correct answer is

Kaanum Pongal

Understanding the Pongal Festival in Tamil Nadu

The Pongal festival is a vibrant and significant harvest festival celebrated primarily in Tamil Nadu, India. It is a multi-day festival, traditionally spanning four days, dedicated to thanking the sun god, nature, and farm animals that contribute to a bountiful harvest.

The Four Days of Pongal Celebration

The Pongal festival is celebrated over four distinct days, each having its own customs and significance:

  1. Bhogi Pongal: This is the first day of the Pongal festival. On this day, people clean and declutter their homes, discarding old and unwanted items. It symbolises the start of a new cycle and the cleaning away of negativity.
  2. Thai Pongal: This is the main day of the Pongal festival, celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month of Thai. On this day, the special Pongal dish (a mix of rice, jaggery, and milk) is cooked in new pots, usually outdoors, and offered to the Sun God (Surya) as a thank you for the harvest.
  3. Mattu Pongal: The third day is dedicated to cattle, particularly bulls and cows, which play a vital role in agriculture. Cattle are bathed, decorated with bells, flowers, and beads, and worshipped as a token of gratitude for their hard work in the fields.
  4. Kaanum Pongal: This is the fourth and final day of the Pongal festival. 'Kaanum' means 'to see' or 'to visit'. This day is primarily for families to gather, visit relatives and friends, and go on outings or picnics. It is a day for social interaction, strengthening family bonds, and celebrating together.

Therefore, the fourth day of the Pongal festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu is called Kaanum Pongal.

Revision Table: Pongal Festival Days

Day No. Name of the Day Significance
Day 1 Bhogi Pongal Clearing old things, new beginnings
Day 2 Thai Pongal Offering thanks to the Sun God, cooking Pongal dish
Day 3 Mattu Pongal Honoring cattle
Day 4 Kaanum Pongal Family visits, social gatherings, outings

Additional Information about Pongal

Pongal is more than just a harvest festival; it's a celebration of prosperity, thankfulness, and community. The boiling over of the Pongal dish is considered a sign of good luck and abundance. The festival is a time for families to come together, share food, and express gratitude for the blessings received during the year. It also highlights the importance of agriculture and the bond between humans, nature, and animals.

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