Page 16 - January 2021

Bountiful, Beautiful Rice

The period when rice is newly harvested is My father often tells childhood stories
observed across all of India in mid-January. of waking up on Pongal day to the
In some regions, it’s called Makar Sankranti delicious aroma of rice, milk, ghee and

and is dedicated to Surya, the Sun god. spices wafting in the air. After offerings
It marks the end of the winter solstice were made to the Gods and cows, and

and beginning of the Sun’s northward prayers were chanted, the feast was
ascent (“Uttaraayanam”), when it enters shared with the whole family. Somehow
the sign of Capricorn.1 In Tamil Nadu in my grandmother managed to feed a

South India, it is celebrated as the festival dozen hungry mouths by cooking over
of “Pongal”, which means to boil and an old, wood-burning stove and a large

overflow, and refers to the special rice dish pot. No doubt, the quality of food was far
prepared this time of year.1 The savory superior to the genetically modified and
version consists of rice cooked with mung pesticide-laced versions we have today!

dhal and spices of turmeric, cumin, and
black pepper. In the sweet version, rice is Rice (Oryza sativa) is a staple part

boiled in milk and jaggery (raw sugar), and of the diet in India, where Ayurveda
cardamom, cashews, and raisins are added. originates.2 It is also used in pujas
Both versions are made with fresh ghee, are (Hindu religious ceremonies) and for

rich, and absolutely delicious! throwing on newlyweds to symbolize
16 myindigosun.com