Thai Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated primarily in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It usually takes place in mid-January and lasts for four days. The festival honors the sun god, Surya, and marks the end of the winter solstice. Families prepare a special dish called Pongal, made from newly harvested rice, milk, and jaggery, which is cooked outdoors in a clay pot. During Thai Pongal, people decorate their homes with colorful kolams (rice flour designs) and offer prayers for prosperity. The festival also includes various cultural activities, such as traditional music and dance, showcasing the rich heritage of the Tamil community.