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Like
many other Indian festivals, Pongal also has a few interesting
legends attached to it signifying the importance it holds. The
most popular legend is the one connected to the first day of the
Pongal celebration when the Rain God, Bhogi or Indra is
worshipped. According to the legend, on this day Lord Krishna
lifted the Govardhan Mountain on his little finger to shelter his
people and save them from being washed away by the rains and
floods.
Another legend is associated with the third day of
Pongal celebration, also known as Mattu Pongal. According to it,
Lord Shiva once asked Nandi, his bull, to go to earth and deliver
his message to the people - to have an oil bath every day, and
food once a month. But Nandi got it all mixed up when he delivered
the message, and told the people that Shiva asked them to have an
oil bath once a month, and eat every day. Shiva was displeased,
and told Nandi that since the people would now need to grow more
grain, Nandi would have to remain on earth and help them plough
the fields. Mattu Pongal is also called Kanu Pongal, and women
pray for the welfare of their brothers. This is similar to the
festivals of Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Dooj celebrated in some
states of North India.
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