Pongal is the most popular harvest festival in South India, especially Tamil Nadu. It falls in mid-January every year and marks the auspicious beginning of Uttarayan, the sun’s journey northwards. Literally meaning "Boiling over", Pongal, signifies the advent of prosperity.

The festival lasts four days. On the first day, which is Bhogi celebrated on the last day of the month of Margazhi. Old things or clothes are thrown away, marking the beginning of a new life. Indra, Lord of the Rains, is also called Bhogi. Using rice paste "Kolam" is drawn and this represents the Sun. We've to clean our whole house.

The second day, Surya Pongal also called Perum Pongal, is celebrated by boiling fresh milk over a vessel early in the morning to worship Sun God.

The third day, Mattu Pongal, is meant to offer thanks for the cows and buffaloes, as they are used to plough land. On this day, the cows are bathed and decorated with vermilion and garlands and fed.

The last day is Kaanum Pongal. It is that part of the festival when families used to gather on the riverbanks and have a sumptuous meal (kootanchoru). It is also time for some traditional dances such as kummi and kolattam.

The dishes prepared during these days are "Sarkarai Pongal", "Ven Pongal", "Paal Pongal" Dosai and Sambhar, Lemon rice, Tamarind Rice, Lentil Rice(Paruppu Saatham), Coconut Rice, Curd Rice, pickles, Vadai and Payasam and ready-to-eat cubed sugar cane.