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Makar Pongal, Ooty

Makar Pongal is a festival that is celebrated in the entire state of Tamil Nadu with great pomp and show. The festival is celebrated in mid-January and falls between the 12th and 15th day of the month. It is actually the Harvest Festival of the state and everybody, especially the farmers take great joy in making a huge celebration on the day of Makar Pongal.

The festival is believed to bring prosperity and wealth into the lives of those who celebrate it. In Ooty, it is celebrated by thanking the Sun God and the Rain God for helping the crops grow. The cattle are also thanked for their help provided in this endeavour.

All Hindus decorate their houses with flowers and make ‘rangolis’ or designs on the floors of their homes. These designs are prepared using petals of flowers and coloured rice powder. A special sweet using milk, rice and jaggery is prepared on this day. This is known as rice pudding and is considered a must eat on the day of Makar Pongal.