Global MCQ Practice

Part of: Tamil Nadu Gk set 18

..... is a multi-day Hindu harvest festival of South India, particularly in the Tamil community.

Category: Tamil Nadu Gk

Hint: Consider the traditional harvest festivals celebrated in Tamil Nadu.

Correct Answer: A) Pongal

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:
  • Bhogi Pongal: This is the first day of the festival, dedicated to Lord Indra, the god of rain and thunder. It is a day of cleaning and discarding old belongings, symbolizing the removal of the old and welcoming the new.
  • Tamil Pongal: This is the main day of the festival, dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. It is on this day that the traditional pongal dish is prepared, and the overflowing pot is a symbol of abundance.
  • Maatu Pongal: This day is dedicated to cattle, which are an integral part of the agricultural community. Cattle are decorated and worshipped, and their contribution to farming is acknowledged.
  • Kaanum Pongal: The final day of the festival is dedicated to family gatherings and social visits. It is a time for community bonding and sharing of food.
    • Option Analysis:
    • Option A: This is the correct answer. Pongal is a multi-day Hindu harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu and other parts of South India, particularly by the Tamil community. It is a significant cultural event that marks the harvest season and is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya.
    • Option B: This is incorrect. Onam is a harvest festival celebrated in Kerala, not Tamil Nadu. It is associated with the Malayali community and has a different cultural context and set of traditions.
    • Option C: This is incorrect. Basant Panchami is a festival celebrated in North India, particularly in states like Punjab and Haryana. It marks the arrival of spring and is dedicated to the goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge and learning.
    • Option D: This is incorrect. Pongal is a well-known and widely celebrated festival in Tamil Nadu, making it the correct answer to the question.

    Mnemonic: P for Pongal, the primary harvest festival of Tamil Nadu.

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