India is celebrating. Each celebration is celebrated here in diverse ways. South India, particularly Tamil Nadu, is known for its wealthy conventions and uncommon dishes. For the Tamil individuals, celebrations are not constrained to adore, but are a medium to express their culture, connections and happiness.
One of them is Sakkari Pongal, which individuals make with cherish and excitement. This dish is not a fair dessert but an image of confidence and convention. With a sweet taste it passes on the message of sweetness and lavishness of life.
The Importance of Pongal Festival
Pongal is one of the greatest celebrations celebrated in Tamil Nadu. This celebration is celebrated in January, when the modern collection comes from the area. At this time, ranchers thank nature and the sun god.
This celebration keeps going for an additional four days and each day has a distinctive importance.
- The first day is called Bhogi Pongal. On this day, the new year is started by removing the old stuff.
- The next day is Pongal. This day is dedicated to Surya Dev and on this day Sakkari Pongal is cooked.
- The third day is Mattu Pongal. Dairy animals and bulls are revered here since they are the greatest partners in farming.
- The fourth day is called Kaanum Pongal, when family and companions come together to advance harmony.
- On this four-day celebration, everybody offers joy. Sakkari Pongal is the sweetest and loveliest part of it.
What is Pongal?
Sakkarai Pongal is a conventional South Indian sweet. It is made from drain, curd, ghee and butter. On beat, include cardamom, cloves and cinnamon.
This dish is particularly cooked in earthen pots. It is accepted that when drain comes out after bubbling, it is considered an image of thriving and auspiciousness. Individuals express bliss by saying "Pongalo Pongal.”
This sweet pongal is distributed to every member of the household and neighbours. The tradition of sharing it suggests that happiness should be celebrated not just in isolation but together with everyone.
Features of Sakkarai Pongal
Sakkari Pongal is not just a delicious dish, but it is a symbol of culture and tradition. Its features are as follows:
This is the main dessert of the festival. The jaggery and ghee used in it symbolise purity and health. The boiling of milk and rice is considered a blessing of prosperity. The taste of the children to the elderly, everyone enjoys it.
Method of preparation (general description)
The process of making pongal is simple yet unique.
- First of all, fresh rice and moong dal are lightly fried and cooked.
- Add milk and water and mix well.
- Jaggery molasses is prepared in a separate vessel and mixed with cooked rice-dal.
- Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, hing and curry leaves.
In this way, the hot Sakkari Pongal is prepared, which becomes the glory of the festival.
Cultural and religious significance
Sakkari Pongal is not just a sweet but also a religious offering. It is offered to Surya Dev and then all the people of the house take it as prasad.
In Tamil culture, it is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity. It is believed that by eating this, sweetness and peace remain in the house. This dish also serves to connect the family and society.
Sakkarai Pongal in modern times
Even in today's era, Sakkari Pongal has retained its place. Even though people in the cities live a busy life, this dish is definitely made in every house on the Pongal festival.
This dish is also easily available in restaurants and sweet shops. Many people make it on special occasions apart from festivals. It is now easily made by the Tamil community worldwide due to online recipes and packed mixes.
A combination of health and taste
Sakkarai Pongal is a combination of health and taste. It contains jaggery which is a good source of energy. Milk and curd provide protein and calcium to the body. Ghee and nuts provide strength and nutrition.
- It provides instant energy to the body.
- It does not contain any artificial sweeteners, only natural jaggery is used.
- It is easy to digest and is suitable for people of all age groups.
Conclusion
Sakkarai Pongal is the cultural identity of Tamil Nadu. This is not just a dessert, but the soul of the festival. It is a confluence of faith, tradition, health and sweetness.
Indeed nowadays, when individuals make Sakkari Pongal, the same joy is reflected on their faces as it was on the faces of their predecessors centuries prior. This dish instructs us that the genuine delight of life is in sharing and communicating gratitude.
Whether it is a present day or conventional celebration, Sakkari Pongal has continuously been a portion of our lives. Will continue to connect with the roots and experience the sweetness of life.
