1 / 7Pongal, a significant Hindu festival that marks the commencement of the harvest season, is celebrated with great religious fervour in several parts of India, especially in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The four-day celebrations will kickstart on January 14 this year and will continue until January 17, marking the Sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn and signalling the end of the winter season. (Image: PTI)
2 / 71. Payasam | The sweet rice pudding, especially made with freshly harvested grains, is often offered to the deities as prasadam. It is made with jaggery, rice, coconut, milk and ghee. For extra flavours, people also add dry fruits to it.(Image: Shutterstock)
3 / 72. Sakkarai Pongal | Offered to Lord Indra on the first day of Pongal, Sakkarai Pongal is yet another popular sweet dish that is made with rice, moong dal, milk and jaggery. This dish is prepared during several other festivals as well. (Image: Reuters)
4 / 73. Ven Pongal | Ven Pongal is a savoury counterpart, prepared with rice, moong dal, coconut, cashews, and ghee. This dishe is infused with traditional southern spices, offering a perfect balance of flavours. (Image: Shutterstock)
5 / 74. Puliyodharai | Poliyodharai, which is simply tamarind rice, is usually offered to the deities in the temples. Famous for its tangy taste, this dish is quite similar to payasam and is made with freshly harvested rice. (Image: Shutterstock)
6 / 75. Kambu Koozh | This dish is a porridge made up of kambu (bajra millets), turmeric, salt and water. Rich in iron, fibre and minerals, this is considered a major healthy option during the Pongal celebrations. Also, it is made solely from the millet that is harvested for Pongal. (Image: Shutterstock)
7 / 76. Medu Vada | A highly popular South Indian dish, this is often consumed as a morning or evening snack during the Pongal celebrations and is made through the combination of various dals. It is best served with sambhar and coconut chutney.
