Tamil Nadu, in south India, is enthusiastically preparing to celebrate the Pongal festival. This festival, which is the equivalent of Thanksgiving, takes place for four days all over the state from January 13-16 each year. It’s a harvest festival, which also marks the retreat of winter and the start of the Tamil New Year.

Since most of Tamil Nadu relies on agriculture for its income, Pongal is one of the most important festivals of the year there. The highlight of the festival is the cooking of the Pongal dish — a sweet preparation made from rice and boiled milk — on the second day.

One of the best places to participate in Pongal celebrations is Chennai. Pongal is also a popular time for new movie releases in the cinemas, so check out a Tamil movie as well!