The four-day festival includes Bhogi, a day of cleansing; Thai Pongal, the main thanksgiving celebration; Mattu Pongal, honoring cattle; and Kaanum Pongal, a time for visiting loved ones.

Pongal falls in mid-January and coincides with the Tamil month of Thai, representing new beginnings and prosperity. Farmers extend their gratitude for the abundant crops by offering prayers to Sun ...