Pongal, one of India’s vibrant harvest festivals, is set to begin on Tuesday, January 14 and continue for four joyous days till Friday, January 17. While it is primarily celebrated in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, some communities and places across the country also observe the festival. One such place is 90 Feet Road in Dharavi, Mumbai. Ahead of the festivities, people were seen shopping for festive essentials in this area on Monday. (Photos Courtesy: Ashish Raje)
Updated On: 2025-01-13 09:08 PM IST
Compiled by : Raaina Jain
For more than half a century, 90 Feet Road in Dharavi has been home to migrants from Tamil Nadu.
On Pongal, they all gather to celebrate the harvest festival, that signifies new beginnings.
Pongal marks the start of a new harvest season and is considered an auspicious occasion.
Farmers celebrate the festival to thank Lord Surya and Lord Indra, and also nature and farm animals for facilitating agricultural prosperity.
The festival spans four days, and each day is known by a different name.
Day 1: Bhogi Pongal (day to burn old items and clean the surroundings)
Day 2: Thai or Surya Pongal (day to honour the Sun God by offering a special dish)
Day 3: Mattu Pongal (day to pay tribute to cattle)
Day 4: Kaanum Pongal (day of family gatherings and celebrations)
Sugarcane is central to Pongal celebrations as it is a crop freshly harvested during this time, and represents agricultural abundance.
Other essential items for the celebrations and rituals include turmeric tufts, banana leaves, mango leaves, etc.
