Which of the following festivals marks the beginning of the harvest season in Tamil Nadu and is closely associated with sun worship?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is Pongal.
Explanation:
☛ Pongal is a four-day harvest festival predominantly celebrated in the state of Tamil Nadu and by the Tamil diaspora worldwide.
☛ It marks the beginning of the Tamil month of Thai (usually mid-January) and signifies the commencement of the sun's northward journey (Uttarayan).
☛ The festival is dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) to express gratitude for agricultural abundance and a successful harvest.
☛ The four days of celebration are: Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Ugadi: It marks the New Year's Day according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka.
☛ Vishu: It is the traditional astrological New Year and spring festival celebrated in Kerala.
☛ Makar Sankranti: It is celebrated across India under different names, marking the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn).
☛ Jallikattu: A traditional bull-taming sport conducted during Mattu Pongal in Tamil Nadu.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Which Tamil month marks the beginning of the Pongal festival? → Thai
☛ On which day of the Pongal festival are cattle honoured and worshipped? → Mattu Pongal
☛ What is the harvest festival celebrated in Assam around the same time called? → Magh Bihu (Bhogali Bihu)
☛ Which festival celebrated in Punjab marks the harvesting of rabi crops in mid-January? → Lohri
☛ Which sight is considered auspicious on the morning of Vishu in Kerala? → Vishukkani