Kanuma, Kanum Pongal, What is Kaanum Pongal?, Significance of Kaanum Pongal, Kaanum Pongal Importance
Kaanum Pongal
Fourth day of the Pongal festival is observed as the Kaanum Pongal. During the Kaanum pongal day, family members and relatives wish each other. The Family elders present gifts to the members of that family. Feeding birds is also considered auspicious on this day. people offer khichdi to the birds on this day.
Kaanum Pongal is also called as Karinaal or Thiruvalluvar day. It is celebrated on the Third day of the Thai month. Every year Kaanum Pongal falls almost on the same day. Because this festival is celebrated according to solar calender. every year, it is observed on the 16th January (sometimes on 17th January).
Surya Puja on Kaanum Pongal day
On Kaanum Pongal day, kolams of the sun god are drawn. During the thai month prime deity is the sun god. Sheaves of sugarcane dot the prayer area. Puja is performed and Sarkarai pongal is prepared on this day offered to the sun god.
Kaanum Pongal Rituals
Kaanum Pongal is celebrated with the family members. Like Rakhsa Bandhan and Bhai Dhuj, women offer prayers for the well being of their siblings. All the women in the home assemble in the hall, the rice is placed in a leaf. Women pay for their brothers should prosperity. Arati is performed for the brothers with turmeric water, limestone and rice.
Kaanum Pongal Celebrations
Kaanum literally means ‘to see’. On Kaanum Pongal day, people visit familu and frinds. In a few areas people have a picnic lunch on the Kaveri river banks. Prayers are also offered to the river Kaveri. Unmarried girls perform ‘Kummippatu’ or ‘kumi patu’. Feeding birds is also one of the ritual of this day.
