South India celebrates the harvest festival known as Pongal, just like Lohri is celebrated in North India, and Makar Sankranti is celebrated in West India. The festival of Pongal evokes feelings of joy and togetherness and is highly revered by Tamilians all over the world.
The delight and beauty this festival brings are elevated by lovely decorations.
Tips for Pongal decoration at home
Here are some amazing Pongal decoration ideas you can use to brighten up your home this festive season.
Well-painted and decorated pot for Pongal decoration
Typically, Pongal is prepared in a clay pot. You can decorate the pot with patterns in various colours and stick some colourful beads to make your Pongal decoration even more appealing.
Source: Pinterest
See also: Bornahan decoration
Pongal feast for Pongal decoration
In addition to rice and milk, the Pongal feast also includes cardamom, raisins, split green gram, jaggery and cashew nuts. It can be savoury or sweet. As the dish is made in honour of the Sun god, Surya, cooking is done in the sunlight, typically on a porch or courtyard. The best part is that this dish is presented beautifully, given that it is served on banana leaves.
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Kolam designs for Pongal decoration
Making kolams (rangolis) is a popular skill in Tamil Nadu. A cow which is a sacred animal to Hindus, is worshipped during the Pongal celebration. So, you can create some creative kolam (rangoli) designs that resemble cows. Your home will look beautiful with kolam.
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Sugarcane for Pongal decoration
Since sugarcane is a crucial component of the Pongal celebrations, it makes a fantastic prop for making some great decorations. You can also make paper-crafted sugarcane and decorate the walls of your house.
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Flowers for Pongal decoration
As flowers have such a colourful and beautiful appearance, use them to decorate the front entrance of the house for the Pongal festival.
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Pongal decoration at home with string lights
String lights are a simple yet effective way to add a warm and cosy feel to your Pongal decorations. You can hang them on walls, windows, and doors, or wrap them around the Pongal pot. Choose warm white or yellow lights to create a soft and inviting glow, or go for colourful lights to add a playful touch to your décor. The versatility of string lights makes them a great option for both indoor and outdoor Pongal celebrations.
Source: Pinterest
Candles and diyas for Pongal decoration
Diyas and candles also play an important role in Pongal celebrations. You can use traditional clay diyas, which come in various sizes and shapes, or opt for modern designs made of metal or glass. You can also decorate them with paints, sequins, and other embellishments to add a personal touch. Candles come in a range of colours and fragrances, making them an excellent choice for creating a cosy atmosphere. Place them on windowsills, near the Pongal pot, or in lanterns to enhance the festive mood. Don’t forget to light them up in the evening to create a warm and inviting ambiance.
Source: Pinterest
FAQs
What do people do at Pongal?
Processions, ritualistic bathing, decorating cows and their horns, decorating artworks made of rice powder called kolams, offering prayers in the home and temples, spending time with family and friends, and exchanging presents in order to strengthen social ties are all part of Pongal festival.
What kinds of flowers are used in Pongal decoration?
The neck of the Pongal pot is decorated with strands of flowers like Koorapoo (mountain grass) and avarampoo , which are also tied at the entrances of homes. Various other flowers can also be used.
