The first day of the four day Pongal festival, and the last day of the month of Margazhi which normally falls on the 13th or 14th of the month of January every year by the people of Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana, Karnataka and parts of Maharastra. The significance of this festival is to discard the old and bring in new, which includes changes and transformations. Bonfire is made oin the front of every house after putting nice and big rangolis. Kids play small hand held Damarus or Thappattais and run around the fire.
The festival of Bhogi is mainly celebrated to thank the rain god Indra for the abundance of rain that helped in abundance of crops, and to give more rains in the subsequent years. The instruments that are used for farming, the plough, the tractors etc are cleaned thoroughly and Kumkum and turmeric powder and sandalwood paste are smeared and they are prayed along with the Sun God and Mother Earth.
In all, it is regarded as the day of cleansing both ourselves inside out and also our homes.
Menu for Bhogi
Arisi Thengal payasam or Moong Dal Payasam or Sabudana Kheer
Thayir pachadi - Javvarisi Pachadi or Tomato Pachadi or Coconut Pachadi or Vendaikkai Thayir Pachadi
Paruppusili - Beans or Vazhaipoo
Mor kuzhambu - Vendaikkai, Pumpkin
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