Pongal festival's 4th day is referred to as what?
VerifiedAnswer: Kanya Pongal or Kambu Pongal
Explanation:
The fourth and final day of the beautiful Pongal festival is known as Kanya Pongal or Kambu Pongal. This day holds special significance as it brings the four-day Tamil harvest celebration to a meaningful close with traditions centered around daughters and young women in the family.
The word "Kanya" means young girl or daughter in Tamil, which reflects the central theme of this day. Families celebrate their daughters by offering special prayers for their well-being, prosperity, and happiness. Young unmarried women in the household are honored, and their parents seek blessings for their future.
On this day, families prepare traditional dishes and sweets as offerings. The term "Kambu" refers to pearl millet, which is sometimes used in the special preparations made for this occasion. This connects back to the harvest theme that runs throughout the entire Pongal festival, as pearl millet is an important crop in Tamil Nadu.
The four days of Pongal each have their own unique focus: Bhogi Pongal (first day) for discarding old items and welcoming new beginnings, Thai Pongal (second day) for thanking the Sun God and celebrating the harvest, Mattu Pongal (third day) for honoring cattle, and finally Kanya Pongal for celebrating daughters and seeking their welfare.
