Pongal 2023: 5 lip-smacking recipes to celebrate the harvest festival

Pongal is a traditional harvest celebration observed in South India, mainly in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. In northern India, the celebration is known as Makar Sankranti.

As the harvest season draws near, preparations are afoot to celebrate it through the Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Bihu festivities. In Tamil Nadu, the harvest season is marked through the Pongal festival. The second of the four-day celebrations, Thai Pongal, which falls on the first day of the Tamil Solar Calendar's 'Thai' month, coincides with Makar Sankranti, which is observed in the country's north. Thai Pongal falls on January 15 this year, on a Sunday.

Pongal is a traditional harvest celebration observed in South India, mainly in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Pongal, an important South Indian festival, honours Lord Surya Narayan, the planet's ruler, and is linked with crop harvesting. In northern India, the celebration is known as Makar Sankranti. This year's four-day celebration will be held from January 15 to January 18 and will be distinguished by a number of customs and rituals, such as the giving of milk rice to the sun deity and the well-known bull-taming sport of Jallikattu.

Here is everything you need to know about the four festival days known as Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kanum Pongal. This celebration is synonymous with lip-smacking dishes that are made at this time of year. From sweet to savoury dishes, here are the top 5 traditional dishes to celebrate this festival:

Sakkarai Pongal

Sakkarai, a sweet Pongal, is prepared for the ceremonial bhog on Thai Pongal's major day. Rice, milk, ghee, and jaggery are used to make a soft dish resembling halwa that is then topped with dry fruits and nuts for crunch. In Tamil, the word 'Pong' means to flow over. Thus, it is customary to simmer this Pongal until it boils and slightly overflows.

Medu Vada

The crunchy, bite-sized fried delicacy is a staple in south India and is prepared especially for the Pongal festival.

Ven Pongal

Ven Pongal, also known as Khara Pongal, is a savoury variation of Sakkarai Pongal in which moong dal and a few spices are used in place of milk and jaggery. It complements sambhar and chutney with the finest.

Avial Curry

Avial is a Pongal favourite due to its combination of various vegetables and creamy coconut. Avial curry is also served during Onam celebrations.

Paal Payasam

A Pongal feast would be incomplete without the sweet finale of Paal payasam. The kheer-like dessert is made with a creamy mixture of rice, milk, ghee, sugar, and nuts.