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Pongal, the vibrant and harvest festival of South India, is a celebration that embodies the rich cultural heritage and agricultural traditions of the region. This auspicious festival is not only about feasting and merriment but also a time when families come together to thank the gods for a bountiful harvest.
Test your knowledge on these occasion, we present a series of General Knowledge (GK) questions on Pongal. These questions will help you explore the history, customs, and significance of Pongal, as well as the delightful rituals associated with it. So, let’s embark on a journey of discovery through these GK questions and enhance your understanding of this remarkable South Indian festival.
50 GK Questions on Pongal With Answer
Here are 50 general knowledge questions about Pongal, a popular South Indian harvest festival
Q. What is Pongal?
Answer. Festival
Q. In which Indian state is Pongal predominantly celebrated?
Answer. Tamil Nadu
Q. What does “Pongal” mean in Tamil?
Answer. Boiling over
Q. Pongal is primarily a festival of which agricultural harvest?
Answer. Rice
Q. Which month does Pongal usually fall in?
Answer. January
Q. What is the first day of Pongal called?
Answer. Bhogi
Q. What is the second day of Pongal known as?
Answer. Thai Pongal
Q. Which animal is associated with Pongal celebrations?
Answer. Cow
Q. What is the traditional dish made on Pongal called?
Answer. Pongal
Q. Which special ingredient is used to make Pongal?
Answer. Rice and lentils
Q. What is the third day of Pongal referred to as?
Answer. Mattu Pongal
Q. On Mattu Pongal, which animal is honored?
Answer. Cattle
Q. What do people do on the fourth day of Pongal?
Answer. Kanum Pongal (Visiting friends and family)
Q. What is the main ingredient in Sakkarai Pongal?
Answer. Jaggery
Q. Which festival marks the end of the Pongal celebrations?
Answer. Kaanum Pongal
Q. Pongal is dedicated to the worship of which Hindu deity?
Answer. Lord Sun (Surya)
Q. What type of dance is often performed during Pongal?
Answer. Kolattam
Q. What is the traditional pot used to cook Pongal called?
Answer. Pongal Pot
Q. Which state in India celebrates a similar festival known as Makar Sankranti?
Answer. Various states
Q. What do people traditionally wear during Pongal?
Answer. New clothes
Q. Which sweet dish is prepared during Pongal with rice flour and jaggery?
Answer. Kolam
Q. What is the purpose of making colorful rangoli designs (kolam) during Pongal?
Answer. Decoration and welcoming guests
Q. Which festival symbolizes gratitude towards nature and agriculture?
Answer. Pongal
Q. What do people offer to the Sun God on Pongal?
Answer. Cooked rice
Q. Which traditional Pongal dish includes coconut and jaggery?
Answer. Coconut Rice (Thengai Sadam)
Q. What is the traditional greeting used during Pongal?
Answer. “Pongal O Pongal”
Q. What do people light on Pongal to signify hope and prosperity?
Answer. Oil lamps
Q. Which state is known for Jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming sport during Pongal?
Answer. Tamil Nadu
Q. What is the main objective of the Jallikattu event?
Answer. Taming and capturing the bull
Q. Which fruit is often used as a decorative element during Pongal?
Answer. Banana
Q. What is the significance of the “Kolam” design during Pongal?
Answer. Symbol of fertility and prosperity
Q. What do people exchange as gifts during Pongal?
Answer. Sweets and clothes
Q. Which traditional music instrument is played during Pongal celebrations?
Answer. Nadaswaram
Q. What do people typically do on the Bhogi day of Pongal?
Answer. Discard old items and clean homes
Q. What is the traditional way of cooking Pongal?
Answer. In an earthen pot
Q. What is the main ingredient of Ven Pongal?
Answer. Ghee
Q. What is the traditional name for the dish made with newly harvested rice on Pongal?
Answer. “Pongal”
Q. Which type of rice is used to prepare Pongal?
Answer. Raw rice
Q. What is the traditional sweet dish made on the second day of Pongal?
Answer. Sakkarai Pongal
Q. Which festival follows Pongal in the Tamil calendar?
Answer. Tamil New Year (Puthandu)
Q. What type of sugar is used in making Sakkarai Pongal?
Answer. Jaggery
Q. What is the traditional Pongal dish made with tamarind and lentils?
Answer. Puliyodarai
Q. Which festival marks the beginning of the harvest season in South India?
Answer. Pongal
Q. What do people draw in front of their homes on Pongal?
Answer. Kolam (Rangoli)
Q. What is the special dish prepared for Mattu Pongal?
Answer. Payasam
Q. What do people offer to Lord Ganesha during Pongal?
Answer. Modak
Q. Which type of rice is commonly used for making Ven Pongal?
Answer. White rice
Q. What is the traditional Pongal recipe that includes vegetables and spices?
Answer. Chakara Pongal
Q. Which festival is considered a thanksgiving to nature and cattle?
Answer. Pongal
Q. What is the primary purpose of Pongal celebrations?
Answer. To express gratitude for a bountiful harvest.
FAQs on Pongal GK Questions
Why do we celebrate Pongal day?
Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated by the Tamil community. It is a celebration to thank the Sun, Mother Nature and the various farm animals that help to contribute to a bountiful harvest.
What are the 4 days of Pongal 2024?
Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal, Mattu Pongal, Kannam Pongal are the 4 days of Pongal 2024.
What is Pongal in food?
Pongal is a South Indian and Sri Lankan dish of rice cooked in boiling milk.
What is the famous dish of Pongal?
Sweet Pongal is a traditional Pongal dish made with rice, lentils, jaggery, and ghee.
