SSC Selection Post 2025 PYQ — Question 10

Correct Answer

Tamil Nadu

Explanation

Pongal is a major harvest festival primarily celebrated in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a four-day festival that marks the beginning of the month of 'Thai' according to the Tamil solar calendar. This festival is dedicated to the Sun God and is celebrated to express gratitude for a bountiful harvest. The term "Pongal" translates to "boiling over" or "overflow," which refers to the traditional dish prepared on this occasion using freshly harvested rice, milk, and jaggery.

Key Points

Four-Day Celebration: 1. Bhogi Pongal: Marks the disposal of old belongings and the beginning of a new cycle. 2. Surya Pongal: The main day of the festival, dedicated to offering prayers and a special dish to the Sun God. 3. Mattu Pongal: A day dedicated to showing gratitude and respect toward cattle (cows and bulls) that assist in agriculture. 4. Kaanum Pongal: A day for family reunions, social gatherings, and outings.

Cultural Significance: The festival symbolizes peace, prosperity, and the harmonious relationship between humans and nature in Tamil culture.

Jallikattu: Often organized during Mattu Pongal in certain parts of Tamil Nadu, Jallikattu (a traditional bull-taming sport) is a significant cultural element of the festivities.

Additional Facts

During the festival, households are decorated with traditional kolam (intricate floor patterns made with rice flour). Similar to Pongal, other regions of India celebrate harvest festivals around the same time, such as Makar Sankranti (North India), Bihu (Assam), and Onam (Kerala—another harvest festival).

Important Questions

Question: What is the name of the traditional dish prepared during the Pongal festival?

Answer: Pongal (a dish made from freshly harvested rice, milk, and jaggery).

Question: On the third day of the festival, known as Mattu Pongal, which beings are honored and worshipped?

Answer: Cattle (the livestock that helps in farming and agriculture).