People light a bonfire with logs of wood, other solid-fuels and wooden furniture at home that are no longer useful. The disposal of derelict things is where all old habits, vices, attachment to relations and material things are sacrificed in the sacrificial fire of the knowledge of rudra, known as the “Rudra gita jnana yajna”. It represents realization, transformation and purification of the soul by imbibing and inculcating various divine virtues. The traditional dish of pongal I.E. Boiling rice with sago and milk, is prepared at every home. As the pot of milk boils over, signifying prosperity, a shout of pongalo pongal fills the air.
The second day is makara sankranti. People wear new clothes, pray to god, and make offerings of traditional food to ancestors who have died. They also make beautiful and ornate drawings and patterns on the ground with chalk or flour, called “Rangoli” or “Muggu” in telugu, in front of their homes. These drawings are decorated with flowers, colors and small, hand-pressed piles of cow dung, called “Gobbemma”
On the third day, kanuma is celebrated. Kanuma is very intimate to the hearts of farmers because it is the day for praying and showcasing their cattle with honor. Cattle are the symbolic indication of prosperity. On the day after makara sankranti, the animal kingdom is remembered and, in particular, cows. Girls feed the animals, birds and fish as a symbol of sharing.
The fourth day is called mukkanuma, which is popular among the non-vegetarians of the society. On this day, farmers offer prayers to the elements (like soil, rain, fire for helping the harvest) and the (village) goddesses with their gifts which sometimes (and these days mainly) include animals. People in andhra and telangana do not eat any meat (or fish) during the first three days of the festival and do so only on the day of mukkanuma. Mukkanuma call for celebrations with union of families, friends, relatives. People play with kites and the sky is filled with beautiful kites.
Being one of the major festivals of india, pongal is celebrated all over india. At different regions, it is known by different names. It is known as lohri in punjab, makar sankranti in the north indian states, hadaga in maharashtra and bihu in assam.