Why Tamil new year is being celebrated in April ?

Advance Happy Tamil new year!! Chithirai Thirunaal nal vazhthukal!!

        This post will explain about the scientific reasons behind the tamizh new year date that was chosen by our ancient ancestors, significance of tamizh calendar with zodiacs and this post will also throw some lights on why Pongal was not considered as new year, with appropriate tamizh literary references...

        

        Tamil New Year is  originally called as 'Chithirai Thirunaal ', meaning first day of Chithirai month in tamizh calendar. On this day of tamizh new year, many people from different states and countries also celebrate it as their New year. For example, Sinhala people, people from Kerala, West bengal, Assam, Punjab, Malaysia, Burma, Thailand and much more...

Every year, tamizh new year falls on Chithrai month - 1st day i.e mid of April month (13th / 14th / 15th / 16th date). With respect to the modern calendar / Gregorian calendar, tamizh new year dates will vary....

How did ancient tamizh siddhars calculate new year

         Siddhars of astronomical brilliance had precisely calculated the position of the Earth, Sun, Moon, stars and planets. They had founded a system to calculate a year for Earth, Jupiter and other planets. Tamizh calendar is the accurate and oldest calendar in the world. 

What is Tamizh calendar ?

        Ancient tamizh calendar is calculated based on the postion of the Earth (Ulagam), Sun (Suriyan) and the corresponding position of Zodiacs (Rashis). 

Why Zodiacs / Star constellations are important in tamizh calendar

    As I have mentioned earlier, the position of the Earth is calculated with respect the Zodiacs / star constellation and the Sun. Zodiacs are both complex and plays major role in astronomy, astrology and astrophysics. Let us see about the importance of zodiacs in tamil culture...

        To calculate auspicious dates for occasions like marriages, house warming ceremony etc stars play a major role. In tamil culture, an auspicious date will be fixed with respect to the tamizh month, stars and lunar days. 

For example: If a child is born on April 14th 2021 i.e Chithirai month - 1st day, then will check the birth star of the baby during the time of birth i.e Barani star occurs on that day, so baby's birth star will be barani. We will note down the birth time and birth star of the child. 

        In the next year, we will celebrate the child's birthday in Chithirai month when the birth star Barani occurs, it may not be 1st day of the month like previous year, it will occur at any day. When the barani star occurs in chithirai month, that is considered as the baby's birth day.

    So the date is not fixed, only the tamizh month and birth star is fixed to calculate birthday of a person. There are 27 stars / nakshathras in the astrology

    We do Aysuh homam (ritual) on a person's birth star, the 60th / 70th / 80th birthdays of a person will be celebrated with rituals on the birth star of a person on their birth tamizh month. Even, in temples while performing archana (personal pooja), the priests will ask for the birth star of a person and not birth dates. 

        Also, in ancient times when there was no printed calendars, people used to calculate the days, time and seasons for agricultural activities based on zodiacs and sun position. Early Pandya kings were experts in seafaring and explored many countries in the World, what navigation system did they use to sail their ships ?? 

    

        They used stars as their navigation partner. With respect to the position of the stars in the sky, they used to identify the direction and season and sail their ships accordingly. Sailors and Navy people will have more knowledge about stars, to navigate in the oceans. Thus stars are very important in our lifes. Not only for humans, stars play major role in astronomy as well!!

How the position of Earth is calculated with the Zodiacs ??

    Earth goes around the Sun in an elliptical orbit with an axial tilt of 23.5 degrees. The Earth travels in an elliptical path around the Sun through 360 degrees (Paakai in Tamil) and the time taken to complete one revolution around the Sun (Suriyan in Tamil) is called as Year (Aandu in Tamil). 

    When the Earth completes its orbit, it represents the completion of a year. Now, Earth always doesn't rotate in a same / average velocity, the velocity of the Earth differs with respect its distance from the Sun, so the number of days in a tamizh month differs when the earth transits from one place in the orbit to another. 

    Now, to calculate the complete rotation of the Earth, let us see about the elliptical path of the Earth around Sun with zodiacs in the background. Check the picture below for reference...

        In the above picture, Sun is at the center and Earth is behind the Sun. The small green colour elliptical path is the path of Earth around Sun with zodiacs at the background. 

        The circumference of the elliptical path traveled by the Earth (Ulagam in Tamil) with the Sun at the center - are divided into twelve equal arcs / angles / degrees for each zodiac. In other words, this path is taken as 360 degrees and it is divided in to 12 equal angles for 12 zodiacs, i.e each zodiac will have an angle of 30 degree. 

    The angular segments traced by each arc measuring 30 degrees is called as House (Veedu in Tamil or Rasi in Sanskrit). 

Like in the picture below, its in 2D..

Thus, the earth passes through twelve zodiacs / houses in a year. Actually, it is the Earth which enters into each Zodiac while revolving around the Sun. But, when we see it from Earth, it appears to be Sun is moving (relative motion) through zodiacs that are nearer to it. So, when the earth is moving in it's orbit, we say that the 'Sun travels through it's nearest zodiacs (rasis)'. 

In tamizh, these twelve zodiacs / houses are named as, 

1. Meda Veedu            - Mesham         - Aries

2. Idapa Veedu            - Rishibham     - Taurus

3. Mithuna Veedu       - Mithunam      - Gemini 

4. Kataka Veedu         - Katakam         - Cancer

5. Singa Veedu           - Simmam         - Leo 

6. Kanni Veedu          - Kanya             - Virgo

7. Thula Veedu          - Thulam            - Libra

8. Virutchika Veedu   - Vrichikam       - Scorpio

9. ThanuVeedu           - Dhanur           - Sagittarius

10. Makara Veedu      - Makaram        - Capricorn

11. Kumba Veedu      - Kumbham       - Aquarius 

12. Meena Veedu       - Meenam          - Pisces

Why Aries is considered as first Zodiac ? Why not other Zodiacs???

        Because, when we draw a line from Earth to Sun such that Earth's equator passes through the sun in a same line at 0 degrees, then that is considered as base to calculate the position of zodiacs. 

   The first 0 degree is called as First point of Aries, this term is mostly used by sailors and Navy people. This means, when the Earth orbits around the Sun and at a particular position Earth's equator and Sun's postion aligns in the same line, i.e the the angle between Sun and the Earth's plane of equator is 0 degrees. 

    Check the picture below for reference, where 'Line to Sun' and Equator aligns in a straight line, that point is considered as 0 degrees...

        This 0 degree is considered as starting point of the year and from here Earth's orbit is divided into12 equal parts at an angle of 30 degree for each zodiac. From this position of Earth, when we look at the zodiacs nearer to the Sun, Aries was identified as the nearest zodiac to the sun and is positioned between 0 degree and first 30 degree angle.

    Hence, Aries is considered as first zodiac and also called as First point of Aries. Like wise all other zodiacs occupies 30 degree angle in the Earth's orbit. 

Like, Aries was positioned in the sky from 0 degree to 30 degree, followed by taurus which occupies next 30 degree i.e 30 - 60 degree and it continues till 360 degree of Earth's orbit where Pisces, the last zodiac occurs at the last 30 degree position. 

How the movement of Earth with respect to Sun and Zodiac are calculated?  

  In the below picture, check the position of Sun, Earth and Zodiac (Scorpio).  This alignment represents that Sun is in Scorpio, as Scorpio is positioned at the background of Sun (When we look from the position of earth). 

        

        This means that while the Earth is rotating in it's orbit, Sun is moving from Scorpio to Sagittarius zodiac (Mid November to Mid December). Thus, the earth's orbit is divided into equal angle of 30 degree and when the Sun transits from Pisces to Aries, i.e from last zodiac to first Zodiac, it represents the completion of one full revolution of earth around the sun i.e completion of one year. 

        The period of travel of the Sun in each zodiac / house is called as 'Thingal' - a Month (also known as Maadham in Tamil and Maasa in Sanskrit). Hence, Sun travels through the twelve zodiacs or Rasis to complete one cycle, that is,  it takes twelve Thingals to complete one cycle, which is called as an 'Aandu' - a Year (also known as Varudam in Tamil and Varusha in Sanskrit). 

    The time when the Sun enters into 'Meda rasi' or 'Mesha rasi' was traditionally called as New Year by the tamizh people.

    Check out the picture below for the reference, outer circle refers to Earth orbit. So when the earth orbiting around the sun, from the position of Earth, when the sun reaches Meda / Mesha (Aries) zodiac i.e transition of Sun from Pisces to Aries marks completion of a year. This event is also called as 'Mesha Sankranthi'.

    Thus, as per tamizh calendar, we will always celebrate our new year on the next day, after the transition of sun from pisces zodiac to aries zodiac, which marks start of spring season 'Illa venil kalam', also represents the beginning season of farming.

How did the ancient people precisely divide zodiacs at 30 degrees each?

        Ancient tamizh people were experts in angles and geometry, with that knowledge they had created many architectural brilliance in India, such as Brihadeeswara temple -  where the shadow of the temple doesn't fall on the ground at noon.

Chaya someshwara temple - it was brilliantly designed with angles and geometry that though there are many intricate pillars in the temple, it's designed to cast an unified shadow which always falls on the Shiva lingam inside the sanctum, irrespective of the position of the Sun.

    That's the mastery of our ancient ancestors, who were the power house of science, geometry, astronomy, architectural and medicinal knowledge...

This method of calculation is called as sidereal solar calendar by westerners.  These zodiacs / rasi and Sun based calculation was also followed by many ancient civilization people such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, Maya, Inca etc..

Tamizh new year , Vishu (Malayalam New Year), Vaisaki (Sikh New Year), Burmese New Year (Thingyan), Cambodia New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey), Lao New Year (Songkran), Sinhalese New Year (Aluth Avurudda), Thailand New Year (Songkran), Assamese New Year (Bohag Bihu) are all celebrated on the same day.

Note: Brahui people of Pakistan also celebrate their new year on the same day of tamizhs. Brahui people are Brahui tribes who speak dravidian language and lives in Pakistan, Afghanistan and in parts of Iran. I have already mentioned in my previous posts that these countries from Pakistan to Turkey were once ruled by tamizh kings and there was an established tamizh society over there. I have also published many posts which uncovered references to the tamil civilization in persian countries.

        Now, the new year of Brahui people is adding more strength to my point that Pre Persian and Pre Indus Valley civilization belongs to tamizhs, to know more reach out to,

https://divinediyaas.blogspot.com/2020/12/kumari-kandam-part-5-pre-indus-valley.html

https://divinediyaas.blogspot.com/2021/04/ancient-tamizh-kings-and-hinduism-in-%20turkey-part2.html

Why Pongal is not considered as New year ?

    Pongal / Makar sankranthi is the day when the Sun transits into the Capricorn zodiac i.e Makara rasi. Pongal is the major harvest festival in India and in many other countries. 

During Pongal, Earth's angle with respect to Capricorn is at 300 degrees. Also, as pongal is the harvest festival, it represents the near end of the agricultural activities. After the harvest, farmers will take time to trade the crops from the field, storage plans and seasoning the land etc. This is kind of ending stage in the farming cycle, so how does it qualify to represent a beginning of a new year ???

        In Cambodia and Thailand, people celebrate their new year on mid April, stating that in the new year, new seeds will be sown thus the new year is marked as symbolic representation of beginning of a new crop.

    Also in ancient tamizhakam and Kerala, people use to harvest more millets, veggies, fruits than rice that they used to sow seeds in April - May before monsoon time. So, by both astronomically and agriculturally pongal is not considered as new year by ancient tamizhs. 

( References for tamil literature for Aries being considered as first month is mentioned in the section below)

Thus, Pongal is not considered as New year and some people with vested interest are trying to portray Pongal as new year stating that April / Chithirai new year is a vedic culture. 

        This is absurd !! I want the tamizh readers not to disown our ancient traditions founded by our genius siddhars and not to underestimate the knowledge of our ancestors. Changing the new year date is a trap to erase our identity, long lived culture, history and our knowledge !!!

        Westerners are keen on our knowledge of astrology, astronomy,  traditional home remedies, herbal medicines, yoga, significance of temples, mantra sounds, ancient architectures etc.  Already westerners are saying that the concept of sidereal solar calendar (this is exactly same as tamil calendar) was first invented  by them and are manipulating the history. Now, it's time for us to know the truth about our traditions and the science behind it !!  

Not to fall prey for the divide and rule politics of people with personal agenda!!!  

       All these knowledge about astrology and astronomy was taken by westerners from tamizh siddhars and had patented it in their names. The ancient most tamizh siddhar was Agathiyar / Agastya who had lived through all the three yugas, from Satya yuga to Dwapara yuga had calculated this zodiac and sun based system, he had also calculated the position of other planets and its cycle.

         The knowledge about astronomy, astrology are travelling across generations of tamizh people, so calculating sun's position with respect to the zodiac is not new to the tamizh people. 

       My husband's grandfather is a great astrologist, long time back he had predicted his date and time of his death, which turned out to be accurate !!  In Hinduism, before marriage, we do horoscope matching for bride and groom. My husband's grand father had predicted horoscope matching for many people and all his calculations were precise !! My grandfather was an astrophysicist, he had learnt it with much passion.

            But, recently there are some people without a complete knowledge about the astrology are trying to cheat people for their personal financial gain. The knowledge and science of astrology and astronomy are getting diluted nowadays, its time to revive the knowledge before it gets completely wiped out..

For those who are asking questions like, Why Chithirai is the first month ? Why not to consider Thai as the first month ? Wasn't thai pongal followed by our ancestors as new year ?? Here you go for the references about new year in tamizh literature....

References in tamizh literatures

        There are some literary references in tamizh which mentions that tamizh people had considered Chithirai as the first month, with respect to the transition of sun into mesha rasi. 

 Lines 160–161 of Neḍunelvāḍai, which is part of the Sangam literature, some of the earliest Tamil literature goes like this…

“திண்ணிலை மருப்பின் ஆடு தலையாக 

விண்ணூர்பு திரிதரும் வீங்கு செலல் மண்டிலம்” - 

Which basically means, “the sun that passes through various signs of the zodiac, starting with the sign indicated by a goat that has strong horns.” 

    The ‘goat that has strong horns’  refers to  Mesha Raasi / Aries.  

There are also other references in Purananooru, Tholkappiyam, Silappadhikaram and Manimekalai which are mentioning that Chithrai is the first month of a year. 

        Thus ancient tamizh people had considered Chithirai as first month and celebrated new year in chithirai month not in 'Thai' or makara month. So to the people with vested interest, do not to try to manipulate tamizh people by saying that 'Thai Pongal' is the new year and Thai is the tamil first month !!! It is absolutely a lie !!!

Some more references from tamizh literatures...

“வலிமையான கொம்பை உடைய ஆடு (மேழம்/மேடம்) முதலான உடுத்தொகுதிகளின் ஊடாகச் சூரியன் இயங்கும் வான் மண்டலம்” என்பதாகும்.

        Tamil Literature Nedunalvaadai says that Aries is the first zodiac Month from which the Sun transits from pisces and enters into Aries. Hence, the tamizh calendar is based on sidereal solar calendar and Chithirai is the first month. Here are some of the festivals which are being celebrated with much pomp and vigour during Chithirai month.

Chithirai Thiruvizha - a 30 days festival in Chithirai, which is the longest festival in the World, where first 15 days are attributed to Goddess Meenakshi, daughter of Pandya king who marries Lord Shiva. The next 15 days are attributed to Lord Vishnu as 'Alagar'.

Chithra Pournami - This pournami (Full moon) will always falls on 'Chithra' star. This combination of Chithra star on full moon day in chithirai month was never changed over the years. This chithra pournami is celebrated more grandeur than full moons of other months, such was the importance given to this month. Also, usually this full moon on Chithirai will be more bigger and brighter than the full moons of other months...

        In this post, I have only explained about the calculation of tamizh new year date, but there are much more aspects in this tamizh calendar.  The significance of tamizh calendar, the accuracy of tamizh calendar with respect to Gregorian and Julian calendars and why Ugadi (telugu new year) and tamizh new year are falling in different dates, all these will be explained in detail in my future posts..

- Aarthi Thiyagarajan

Pongal - Oldest Harvest Festival in the World !!

Pongal - Oldest Harvest Festival in the World !!

        Pongal is one of the Oldest harvest festival in the World, which is being celebrated for several thousand years. It is an ancient winter harvest festival of people in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu. The history of this festival can be traced back to  Sangam Age. Although, Pongal was originated as a Dravidian Harvest festival and it has been mentioned in Sanskrit Puranas and Tamil literatures. This post is all about History of Pongal festival, Why Pongal was prepared for this harvest festival and agricultural, harvest and celebration similarities  across the ancient civilizations of the World. 

        To Know about the significance, multiple days of celebration and pooja procedure of Pongal festival, reach out to
https://divinediyaas.blogspot.com/2018/01/happy-pongal-makar-sankranti.html

        Since this harvest festival falls in the month 'Thai' (10th month of tamil calendar, Makar - in Sanskrit), Historians identify this festival as 'Thai Un' and 'Thai Niradal' which are believed to have been celebrated during the Sangam Age. Thai Pongal which will be celebrated across Tamil Nadu in the month of January around 14, 15 16 (not fixed dates) as a thanks giving celebration to God  Indra and Lord Surya for providing favorable climatic conditions for paddy cultivation. God Indra for providing good seed and moderate rain, God Surya for providing the required solar energy and warmth which resulted better yield of crops.

       In addition to this harvest festival, Pongal is also prepared as prasadam for worshiping Kula Deivam / Kula Devata. Kula Deivam, is one family's Guradian Deity. Kulam / Kula - meaning lineage / clan, deivam / devata - meaning God. It is a strong belief among South Indians that worshiping kula deivam will save our family from all types of harms, evils and hindrances, and will also take care of our family. Every family will go together and visit their guardian deity at least once in an year and worship them by preparing 'Pongal' in the temple premises. Will pen down a separate detail post about Kula Deivam worship.

Pongal celebration at Temple

       In Some places, they also offer a portion of the yield by exhibiting Nellmudi and offer it to God Ayyanar. Ayyanar is Gramma devata, Village deity, he is worshiped for protecting the lands from all calamities.

Pongal Meaning

     Pongal meaning 'Overflowing' / 'boil over', signifying overflowing prosperity and happiness in the family and society as it's the harvest season. Pongal is also celebrated as Makar Sankranthi and Uttarayan in other parts of India. 'Uttarayan' is six month period where the Sun travels towards North, starting on this day

Why Pongal is prepared for this festival??

    Why Pongal has to be prepared for this harvest festival? Tamil Nadu is rich in Rice production. The delta region of Kaveri River is 'Thanjavur', also called as 'Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu' and regions near Tamirabarani river were named after Rice. Agriculture was the main vocation of the Tamils, It was considered as a necessity for life, hence was treated as the foremost among all occupations. the farmers or the Uzhavars were placed right at the top of the social classification. 

 

         As Rice and Sugarcane would be harvested in this season (Thai), in order to express gratitude to Gods, part of freshly yielded rice was offered to them as Prasad. Instead of giving raw rice, it was prepared as Prasadham in the form of Pongal. In an Earthenware pot, the newly harvested rice was cooked in rich milk and water. Milk signifies prosperity and purity, as the milk overflows, let the yields also overflow in this harvest season. The pot with milk will be placed facing east direction to God Surya, once it boiled and overflows from the pot, all the people / family members will shout "Pongalo Pongal !! Pongalo Pongal !!".

        In addition to Milk Pongal, Sweet Pongal will also be offered to God. For Sweet Pongal new rice and Moong Dal is cooked with milk and water, then Jaggery, ghee, nuts and cardamom will be added for sweetness and taste. Dal signifies Wealth, Jaggery signifies Happiness and ghee signifies Victory. This is the reason for the Pongal being prepared for the Harvest Festival, to offer some portions of the harvested yields to God in a sweet way. Along with Pongal, freshly harvested Sugarcane, Tumeric and Ginger plants are also kept as offer to Gods.

        A special puja is performed on the first day of Pongal before the cutting of the paddy. Farmers worship the sun and the earth by applying sandal wood paste and turmeric on their ploughs and sickles. With these consecrated tools, the newly-harvested rice will be cut.

Ancient sites of Paddy Cultivation

        In Porunarattrupadai -240-45, it is mentioned about the paddy cultivation in Tamizhalakam,

கூனி, குயத்தின் வாய் நெல் அரிந்து, 

சூடு கோடாகப் பிறக்கி, நாள்தொறும், 

குன்று எனக் குவைஇய குன்றாக் குப்பை 

கடுந் தெற்று மூடையின் இடம் கெடக் கிடக்கும்,

சாலி நெல்லின், சிறை கொள் வேலி, 

ஆயிரம் விளையுட்டு ஆக, 

காவிரி புரக்கும் நாடு கிழவோனே.

Meaning: Matured paddy which  is about to ready for harvest in Kaveri delta region and talks about heap of yielded rice as Aayiram veli (Aayiram- one thousand, the measurement unit veli is unknown)

        The famous ancient and megalithic site Adichanallur is situated near the river Tamirabharani in between a huge land of paddy cultivation. In addition to Thanjavur, Tamirabharani is also a prime source of paddy cultivation.  Adichanallur (Adi - meaning a primitive, Nel - Paddy, oor - village), this site close to 'Korkai', the capital and port city of Early Pandya Kings. Tirunelveli is also closer to Adichanallur, which is named after Paddy cultivation as Thiru - Sacred, Nel - Paddy, Veli - fence. It was also called as Marutha Veli in earlier days. Historians believed that Marutha Veli was the capital of Early Pandya Kingdom before they sworn Madurai as capital during third Tamizh Sangam.

        The Chief deity in Tirunelveli is Lord Nellaiyappar (Lord Shiva), he is named after paddy, as he believed to be protected farmer's rice crop over there. Nel - Rice, Appar - Father / Lord. As, this city is an ancient settlement of early Pandya kings, it is also called as 'TenPandya Nadu' / 'TenPandya Semmai'.

Paddy Cultivation in Tamizhakam dating back to.....

       The places Adichanallur, Tirunelveli, Nellaiappar temple etc  were named after rice and ruled by Early Pandya kings. Tools used for agriculture were also excavated from the site, Evidence of rice is seen in these megalithic sites such as Adichanallur and Porunthal site (near Pazhani). Before the cultivation of Paddy, Tamizh people had cultivated millets and lentils in abundance in Tamil Nadu, so agriculture is not new to Tamizh people. 

        Carbonised Paddy in a pot was unearthed from a place Agaram (near Keeladi) and Sivagalai in Thothukudi, by Archaeologists of Tamil Nadu. Sivagalai is ancient megalithic site, the artifacts unearthed from Sivagalai is believed to be 10,000 years old. The ancient sites Adichanallur and Sivagalai is considered as historical treasure of Ancient Tamizh Civilization.

         Now, coming back to Pongal,  in early records, Pongal is appeared as ponakam, tiruponakam, ponkal and similar terms.  Pongal celebrations can be at least dated back to 3,000 years old as the proof proposes that there are inscriptions of detailed Pongal recipes mentioned in some Hindu temples of Chola period. 

        Chola Kings predominantly ruled the Thanjavur delta region, where the Rice crops were grown in abundance, there was a line mentioned in tamil literature that ' The harvested rice crops were arranged like several heaps.  Each heaps will be a looking like a mountain through which even an elephant can hide'. So, Pongal festival was celebrated in much pomp and rigors during Chola period.

         The inscriptions found in the renowned Lord Veeraraghava temple at Tiruvallur mentions that Chola King Kiluttunga had the practice of gifting land to the temple as part of the Pongal celebrations. The inscription of the Thiruvallur temple shows that on this day, a variety of donations were given to the poor by the Kilutunga king on this day.

      From the ancient sites Adichanallur, Sivagalai, Thanjavur, Nellaiappar Temple, it is evident that Rice cultivation was flourished starting from Pandya Era. Then, it was continued by the consecutive rulers such as Cholas, Pandyas, Cheras, Pallavas, Velir Kings. Pongal has become like a part of Tamizh culture.

      Tamizh kings have conquered at settled at various places in the World. Indus Valley sites are one of them, According to Archaeologists and researchers  the prehistoric settlement of Indus valley people are connecting to Proto Dravidian people of South India. To know more the settlement of ancient Tamizh people at Indus region, reach out to

https://divinediyaas.blogspot.com/2020/12/kumari-kandam-part-5-pre-indus-valley.html

    Now, there are some connections between Pongal celebration and its been celebrated in Pre Indus Valley civilization. Let us see one by one

In Connection With Indus Valley Civilization

    The literary evidence of unknown early Pandya kingdom (Paddy based region) near Pakruli  river in submerged Kumari Kandam and Kabadapuram have  revealed a lot of interest and in sight on paddy culture. Recently Dr.A.Parpalo, Finland Indologist's research on  Indus valley and Tamil script link is to be studied in terms of paddy culture.

        Archaeological evidences such as the recent discovery in ancient Tamil paddy cultivation  area (Sangam literature described as Maruda Nilam) Adichanallur, where the world's largest three-tier pre-historic cemetery is found is situated in oldest Tamirabarani river. Porundal is a traditional paddy cultivated area and the encouraging roots of Indus-valley civilization of Dravidian origin, said by Dr.A.Parpalo.

    Another old grain sample came from Mohenjodaro of Pakistan and dates from about 2500 B.C. (Andrus and Mohammed 1958).  By considering the above, the Indus-valley and the Tamil script root  and Adichanallur findings have a possibility that ancient Tamil Nadu has a traditional paddy culture and it might have expanded to many places.

    Also, As a part of Pongal celebration, Jallikattu - a sport of embracing bull will be held on second day of Pongal. This custom is being followed in South India for several thousand years, to preserve the native bulls (Naattu Maadu) and it's strength. This Jallikattu was also performed at ancient Indus Valley sites, which corresponds to Pre Indus Valley Civilization of Thamizh people in Sindhu region.

        There are some seals unearthed from Banawali, an Indus Valley site. Below mentioned seal is one of them, Bull leaping form of non violent bull fighting seals and images were identified. 

Bull leaping seal from Indus Valley Site

Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu

    To know in detail about the importance and significance of Jallikattu / Eru Thazhuvudhal, reach out to

https://divinediyaas.blogspot.com/2018/01/jallikattu-importance-of-native-indian.html

In Mathuraikanci 173, it is mentioned that

நல்லேர் நடந்த நசைசால் விளைவயல் - Where fine bulls walked to plow the yielding field.

Wooden ploughs were used, deep ploughing is considered to be superior than shallow ploughing.

Bulls ploughing at Tamil Nadu

        Similar to Pongal, there are many Rice Harvest festivals celebrated across many places in the World, in a similar manner. 

Similar Harvest Festivals and Rituals around the World!!

        The Rice Harvest Festival that is held in Bali, Indonesia, is a feature of the Tamizh culture at Bali. The Bali's harvest festival and Pongal does not occur at the same time or month. Due to climatic conditions, they both occur at different months, but the rituals followed for the harvest festival, traditions and celebrations of these two harvest festival are very similar.  

    The Bali's harvest festival is dedicated to the rice goddess 'Dewi Sri' and is a time of joyous celebration. Effigies of the goddess are placed in the fields in thanks, towns are decorated with colored flags, and special bull races are held.

         The local farmers would offer their great gratitude and praise for their abundant harvest of the year. This is similar to Pongal - Harvest festival of Tamil Nadu. This Tamizh culture influence at Indonesia is due to the past history of many Dravidian rulers such as Tamizh Pandya and Chola Kings. So, one could see the impact of Tamizh culture in Indonesia.

Carrying yields to worship at Temple

           A famous part of this festival is the Negara Bull Races which are held at Perancak (place), where water buffaloes are decorated and raced along the streets. This is similar to the bull races held in South India, such as Jallikattu and Rekla race, Bail Gadi Shariat of Maharastra, Maramadi of Kerala and Kambala of Karnataka.

Bull Race at Indonesia

        Tamizh people have identified 'Wild Rice' and have abundant knowledge about it, this is also mentioned in poem of "Agananuru" , as 'Vittha Valci' - The rice that grown without being sown. Bali is strongly influenced by Hindu and Tamizh culture. Subak (Water Irrigation System) and Paddy cultivation in wet fields are taught by Tamizh Kings who have migrated and settled at Bali.

        Evidence of wild rice on the island of Sulawesi dated to 3000 BC. Evidence for the such earliest cultivation,  comes from eighth century stone inscriptions from the central island of Java, which show kings levied taxes in rice. The images of rice cultivation, rice barn, and mouse pest infesting a rice field is evident in Karmawibhangga bas-reliefs of Borobudur. Since, the paddy cultivation has spread from Tamizhakam to Bali, from the above evidences it can be said that agriculture in Tamil nadu was at least 5000 years before.

        The type of plough technique used in ancient Thamizhakam was also used in Indonesia and ancient Egypt. Below picture depicts a farmer ploughing with bulls at Borobudur, Indonesia.

Borobudur carvings

Mehregan - Harvest Festival in Iran

        Mehregan is an Zoroastrian and Persian festival, celebrated to honour god Mithra. It also called as Persian autumn festival, The Mehr day in the Mehr month corresponded to the day farmers harvested their crops. They also celebrated the fact that Ahura Mazda had given them food to survive the coming cold months.

    The autumn equinox marks the moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator – from north to south. This event is celebrated as Mehregan. They worship with the freshly harvested paddy, pulses, veggies and fruits. 

Harvested yields kept for worship

        Thus, the harvest festival of Tamil Nadu is been celebrated across places in a similar way, by expressing gratitude to Gods with the harvested yields. This is proving the fact that Tamil culture is being followed in many places in the World, due to the settlement of ancient Tamizh people and rule of Pandya, Chera, Chola and Velir Kings in those places.

Celebration and Games during Pongal

        As a part of Pongal celebration, there are Melas held along with races, games, dance ceremonies and fun activities are held, and the most powerful men who won the Jallikattu were chosen by the Kumaris (wannable brides) as their husbands. Temples and cultural centers organize the ritual cooking of Pongal dish, along with fairs (Pongal mela) with handicrafts, crafts, pottery, sarees, ethnic jewelry for sale. 

        These sites hold traditional community sports such as 'Uri Adithal' (breaking a hanging mud pot while blindfolded), Pallankuzhi, Kabbadi, Tug of War as well as group dance and music performances in major cities and villages.

Mayilattam - Peacock dance (Folk dance of Tamil Nadu)

Pallankuzhi - game

Uri Adithal

       Pongal is celebrated as 'Social festival', it is considered as a part of Tamizh culture. It is being celebrated for several thousand years and will continue to celebrate in future as well. The beautiful tradition of paying tribute to nature and worshiping them as Gods with much respect and love is conjoined with the belief of the people. All ancient civilizations in the World considered nature as Gods and worshiped them, Tamizh civilization is indeed one of them !!

Happy Pongal to all my readers !! Let the Health, Wealth, Knowledge, Prosperity, Happiness and Peace overflow in this World !!

- Aarthi Thiyagarajan