Uzhavar Tirunal Festival of Tamil Nadu

Uzhavar Tirunal is a farmer festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu, the word Uzhavar in Tamil means ‘the farmer’ and Thirunal means ‘the festival’. It is also known as Pongal or Thamizharthirunal which are the harvest festival of South India.

Uzhavar Thirunal in 2024 is on Tuesday, 17th of January.

Uzhavar Tirunal is celebrated in mid-January every year when the sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn also celebrated as Makar Sankranti in India. From that day onwards, the auspicious Uttarayana period begins. So, the worship of the Sun god is common in many states. The homes have plenty of agricultural produce and they feast with rice cooked with dal and jaggery, which is also a term for Pongal.

The festival is celebrated in Tamil Nadu with a lot of gaiety and joy, women folks dance and sing with various other rituals like constructing a med house and decorating it, and cooking milk in the space.

The festival of Pongal or Makar Sankranti dates back to 1000 years, as established by Epigraphic studies. Earlier it was called Puthyeedu, the Pongal festival of harvest celebrated in Tamil Nadu, and recently it is called Uzhavar.

Sugar Canes and Turmeric Plants are of importance for Uzhavar Thirunal day as they are used in decorating the front of the house, so also the green turmeric plants with their roots hanging in clusters, indicating the sweetness and auspiciousness of the season.

Legend

The festival of Uzhavar Tirunal is linked to a number of legends, among the most popular is Lord Krishna saves the Braj people from rains while holding the Govardhan mount on his little finger. Another legend says Lord Shiva sent his companion Bull called Nandi to help people to learn how to observe penance and take oil bath, but Nandi messed it up and while stating on earth he helped farmers to plow their lands. that is why one day of Pongal is dedicated to cattle called Mattu Pongal.

Jallikattu

Jallikattu is one of the ancient events happening in Tamilnadu. This will happen on Mattu Pongal (The next day of Pongal i.e Uzhavar Thirunal). In this event, the bull will be set to run in the ground or tied to a long rope. Then men will try to control the running and movements of the bull. Alanganallur and Madurai are very famous for Jallikattu.

Uzhavar Thirunal is a way to thank and honor livelihood i.e. agriculture and farming.

Wishes for Uzhavar Thirunal

On this joyous festival, warm Uzhavar Thirunal wishes for all. May Lord’s blessing always be upon you and that your stocks never fall short.
Thank you, Gods and Goddesses; thank you, family and friends, for your blessings and wishes count – Happy Uzhavar Tirunal.
Hope this festival marks the beginning of a harvest season, that is happy and cheerful and one which brings with it good luck and prosperity for always – Happy Uzhavar Tirunal
Wishing you a prosperous and joy, to last forever. Hope this special day marks, the start of a harvest season, that a happy and successful in every way and brings with it prosperity, good luck, and moments to cherish – Happy Uzhavar Tirunal
Rejoice in the charm of tradition and celebrations. Have a happy and joyous Uzhavar Tirunal