In this article3 parts
Quick answer
For Thai Pongal you need a new pot, turmeric plants, sugarcane, new raw rice, moong dal, jaggery, ghee, cashews, raisins and cardamom for sakkarai pongal, banana leaves, fruit, betel leaves, and the usual pooja items.
- Buy ahead: jaggery, ghee, dry fruits and pooja items a week before.
- Buy fresh: sugarcane, turmeric plants, banana leaves and flowers a day before.
- This year’s date is on our Pongal page.
The four days of Pongal
- Day 1Bhogi
Clean the house, let go of old things, and draw a fresh kolam.
- Day 2Thai Pongal
Boil pongal in a new pot in the morning sun; when it boils over, everyone calls "Pongalo Pongal".
- Day 3Mattu Pongal
Cattle are bathed, decorated and fed pongal.
- Day 4Kaanum Pongal
Families visit each other and go out together.
Your Pongal shopping list
- New clay pot (pongal panai)1In the shop
- Turmeric plants (manjal kothu)2 bunches
- Sugarcane2 to 4 pieces
- New raw rice500 gIn the shop
- Moong dal100 gIn the shop
- Ghee200 gIn the shop
- Banana leaves, bananas, coconut, betel leavesfor the offering
- Kolam powder1 packIn the shop
Shop tip
Wash the new clay pot and soak it in water for an hour the day before; tie a turmeric plant around its neck on Pongal morning.
Cook it with our sakkarai pongal and ven pongal recipes.
Questions people ask
Can I make pongal in a steel pot instead of clay?
Yes. Many city homes use a brass or steel pot. The clay pot is traditional, but the custom is about the boiling over, not the pot.
Which rice is used for Pongal?
New raw rice from the harvest is traditional. Any good raw rice works.
What is offered on Mattu Pongal?
Cattle are given pongal, bananas and sugarcane after their bath and decoration.
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