Turmeric and Sugar Cane are mainly used at the celebration of Pongal Festivals
Turmeric and sugar cane are mainly used at the celebration of Pongal festivals. The yellow vermillion powder got from turmeric is a sign of auspiciousness according to Hindus in India. Pongal is one of the most traditional festivals of the Hindus which falls in the month of January and is celebrated in honour of thanksgiving to nature during the season when rice and other cereals, sugar-cane, and turmeric, are harvested and all of them form an essential part of our daily cooking. At the time of Pongal celebrations there is a custom or ritual of tying a turmeric plant round the pot in which the rice will be boiled. The offerings include coconut and bananas in a dish, with two sticks of sugar-cane in the background.
Kaanum Pongal Celebration
-During Kannum pongal celebration the turmeric leaf is washed with care and spread on the ground and all the remaining items of the Pongal celebration like sweet Pongal, Venn Pongal,uncooked rice,betel leaves, betel nuts, two pieces of sugarcane, turmeric leaves, and plantains are all placed on it and kept in the courtyard and worshipped. After this an aarthi is performed with turmeric water, limestone and rice and finally all the items are sprinkled on the kolam which is done in the front of the house.
