Ahmedabad: Various communities in the city are celebrating the harvest season with traditional fervour. While Punjabis celebrated Lohri on Monday, the Tamil community is celebrating Pongal, a four-day festival marking the Sun’s journey northward. The festival comprises Bhogi Pongal, Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Kaanum Pongal, each with its own significance.
Satnam Singh Bagga of Gurdwara Gobind Dham in Thaltej said Lohri was celebrated on Monday at homes and gurdwaras. The festival marks the conclusion of the winter and the beginning of longer days. “Black sesame (til) and coconut are offered to the bonfire as a symbol of gratitude. The darshan of the holy flame is considered particularly auspicious for the newlyweds and newborns,” he said.
Elavazhagan Mudaliyar, president of Balasubramanian Devsthanam in Khokhra said, “The Pongal festivities begin with Bhogi Pongal where old, unwanted items are offered to a bonfire, symbolising a fresh start. On Jan 14, devotees offer sugarcane and fruits to the deity and pray for a good harvest. On the third day, cows are worshipped, and the final day is dedicated to spending time with family.” Thai Pongal, which falls on Jan 14, corresponds with Makar Sankranti, which marks an important day for Keralites who celebrate the ‘Makaravilakku’ — a revered festival held annually at the Sabarimala shrine — by participating in nirmalya darshanam, neyyabhishekam (ghee offering), various poojas, Maha Deeparadhana and cultural programmes at Ayyappa temples.
Satnam Singh Bagga of Gurdwara Gobind Dham in Thaltej said Lohri was celebrated on Monday at homes and gurdwaras. The festival marks the conclusion of the winter and the beginning of longer days. “Black sesame (til) and coconut are offered to the bonfire as a symbol of gratitude. The darshan of the holy flame is considered particularly auspicious for the newlyweds and newborns,” he said.
Elavazhagan Mudaliyar, president of Balasubramanian Devsthanam in Khokhra said, “The Pongal festivities begin with Bhogi Pongal where old, unwanted items are offered to a bonfire, symbolising a fresh start. On Jan 14, devotees offer sugarcane and fruits to the deity and pray for a good harvest. On the third day, cows are worshipped, and the final day is dedicated to spending time with family.” Thai Pongal, which falls on Jan 14, corresponds with Makar Sankranti, which marks an important day for Keralites who celebrate the ‘Makaravilakku’ — a revered festival held annually at the Sabarimala shrine — by participating in nirmalya darshanam, neyyabhishekam (ghee offering), various poojas, Maha Deeparadhana and cultural programmes at Ayyappa temples.