Pongal is a festival celebrated by the people of Tamil Nadu. Pongal in Tamil means "boiling over or to spill over." The boiling of milk in clay pot signifies material abundance in the households of the rural folk. Hence Thai Pongal is celebrated during the time of harvest in order to thank the Sun God Surya. They also take special care of their live stock which helps them in their farming. The festival happens over four days.