As per almanac, Sun begins its ascendancy and enters into northern hemisphere today. On this occasion, a sweet dish prepared from the first rice of the new harvest is offered to the Sun God to express gratitude. The dish is called ‘Makar Bhog’.
In pilgrim city, the presiding deities at the famous Puri Lord Jagannath temple were dressed in new clothes on this occasion. Scores of devout thronged the temple to offer prayers to the trinity after taking holy dip.
Similarly, colourful rangoli, traditional bonfire and cultural shows marked the beginning of the three-day Pongal festival in South Orissa beginning today. The festival is mainly celebrated by the people belonging to Telegu community. The first day of the festival was celebrated as Bhogi.
People celebrate pongal to thank the Sun God. The Pongali cooked in a new clay pot is offered to Sun God and partaken as Prasad.
Besides, Tusu festival was celebrated by the tribal population across the state. Though times have changed, the tribal folks celebrated the festival in their traditional way.