The day on which the sun begins to move northwards is called Makara Shankranti. It usually falls in the middle of January. Among the Tamilians in South India this festival is called the Pongal. To many people, especially the Tamilians, the Makara Shankranti ushers in the New Year. The newly-harvested corn is cooked for the first time on that day.
Joyous festivities mark the celebration in every home.
Servants, farmers and the poor are fed and clothed, and given presents of money. On the next day the cow, which is regarded as the symbol of the Holy Mother, is worshipped. Then there is feeding of birds and animals. In this manner the devotee's heart gradually expands during the course of the celebrations, first embracing with its long arms of love the entire household and neighbours, then the servants and the poor, then the cow and then all other living creatures. Without even being conscious of it one develops the heart, and expands it to such proportions that the entire universe finds a place in it.