It is true that our country is progressing and in spite of urbanization, the traditions and customs attached to the harvest festival of Pongal has not changed. Though the way of celebration has changed but the traditions and customs attached to it is still intact. The way we celebrate the festivals, for instance varies with the time and place. The festival of Pongal captures the quintessence of south Indian culture in all its entirety and traditional practices and customs continue to hold their own even today. The new crop, which is harvested is cooked and offered to the God. The festival is celebrated for four days. The various customs and traditions attached with the harvest festival are as follows:

The first day of Pongal known as 'Bhogi Pongal' is a day for family gathering and is dedicated to Lord Indra, the king of the Gods and God of the Clouds and Rains. Offerings are made to him to please him so that he blesses good harvest. It is also marks the beginning of the New Year according to the Malayalam calendar and before sunrise, a huge bonfire of useless things in home is lit that is kept burning throughout the night. The houses are cleaned and painted and are decorated with Kolams painted using rice four. The harvest of rice, turmeric and sugarcane is brought in for next day. The second day of Pongal known as 'Surya Pongal' is dedicated to the Sun God. Special dish are cooked on this day in a new mud-pot that comes in innovative shapes and have artistic designs on them called 'Pongapani'. A colorful sugarcane market is also set up on this day. The special dish is called 'Sarkkarai Pongal' and is offered to Sun God with sugarcane sticks. The third day of the festival is known as 'Mattu Pongal' and is dedicated to the cattle as cowherds and shepherds pay thanks to their cows and bulls. Cattle races are conducted and in the game called 'Manji Virattu' groups of young men chase running bulls. Bull fights called 'Jallikattu' are also arranged at some places. Lord Ganesha and Goddess Parvati are also worshipped on this day. At some other places, this day is celebrated as Kanu Pongal when girls feed colored balls of cooked rice to the birds and crows and pray for their brothers' happiness and that they always remember them. The fourth day is known as Kaanum Pongal. On this day, people travel to see their family members and relatives. On this day, the younger members of the family pay homage to the elders, and the elders thank them by giving token money.

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