The Harvest festival of South India (Pongal) begins on Jan 15th, 2024. It is also known as “Thanksgiving Time”, when we express gratitude to God, the Sun, the Earth, and their Cattle for the bountiful harvest. The festival spans four days: “Bogi” on the first day, “Pongal” (also called Surya Pongal) on the second day, “Mattu Pongal” on the third day, and “Kannum Pongal” on the fourth day. Join in the festive celebrations and enjoy the pongal recipes provided below.
Poli is the traditional dish made on Bogi Day. So, enjoy Sweet Dhal Poli or Sweet Wheat Poli on this festive occasion.
Pongal Recipes
Semiya Pongal
Difficulty: EasyThis breakfast dish is made with Vermicelli (Semiya) and served with Gosthu or coconut Chutney.
Kalkandu Pongal
Difficulty: EasyA traditional sweet dish made during pongal festival. This dish is made with sugar candy (kalkandu)
Sweet Rice Pongal
Difficulty: EasyLearn how to make sweet rice pongal, a delicious South Indian dish made with rice, lentils, jaggery, and spices. Perfect for festivals and special occasions!
Ven Pongal
Difficulty: EasyLearn how to make delicious Ven Pongal, a traditional South Indian dish made with raw rice and dhal. Perfectly paired with Brinjal Gothsu or Coconut Chutney/sambar.
Pineapple Sweet Pongal
Difficulty: EasyThis version of Pongal (rice) dish is made with pineapple and served as dessert.
Oats Pongal
Difficulty: EasyThis pongal made with Oats goes well with with Brinjal Gosthu or with any chutney.
Masal Vadai
Difficulty: MediumA traditional and common south Indian snack that is served with tea or coffee. This Vadai is made with Bengal gram dhal and onion.
Medhu Vadai
Difficulty: MediumThis is a common snack served with evening tea or for breakfast with idli, pongal or dosa.
Thalagam
Difficulty: EasyLearn how to make Thalagam, a delicious South Indian dish made with 7 vegetables. Perfect for festival days like Thiruvathirai and Pongal!
Pongal Kolangal
The most important tradition of the Pongal festival is, drawing Kolam. All the houses are adorned with beautiful and colourful Kolams. Elaborate designs are drawn at the entrance of the house and one of the most popular designs on this day is Pongal Pot. Here are some below and more pongal kolangal at Kolangal.