Thai Pongal, the harvest festival of Tamil Nadu falls in mid January after the winter solstice. It marks the auspicious beginning of Uttarayana, which marks the sun’s movement northwards for a period of six months. This celestial occasion is celebrated as Pongal. Most of the important events are scheduled to perform during this period as it is very auspicious.

Thai Pongal is celebrated for 4 days that signals the end of traditional farming season. It also marks a beginning for a series of festivals.Thai Pongal – Harvest festival of Tamil Nadu is also referred to as Vedic Winter Solstice in the west. This year’s four day celebrations begins from January 14th to January 17th. People usually offer their prayers to Gods and Goddesses during these days to make the upcoming year a favorable one for them.

Thai Poosam 2011 is celebrated in the Tamil month of ‘Thai’ in the remembrance of Lord Muruga. The word ‘Thai’ denotes a Tamil month and ‘Poosam ‘or Pushya’ means to nurture. The star ‘Poosam’ is controlled by the Lord Jupiter. Jupiter is associated with Devas and it helps them to be spiritual and intuitive by wisdom. It is regarded as auspicious and it helps in spiritual development of the devotees when it appears in the month of Thai. This year Thai Poosam falls on January 20.

On the day of Thai Poosam, devotees pray to Lord Muruga by offering prayers and by making Kavadis. This is the most auspicious day to offer prayers to get rid of the enemies. It is believed that Muruga will bestow more energy, on this auspicious day. Devotees offer prayers to Lord Muruga to bless them with wealth, grace, wisdom and to cure their diseases. Worshipping Muruga on Thai Poosam 2011 will help you to have a better human consciousness and a superior mind set. Performing Homas, Poojas and offering Abhishekam to the almighty God will help a person to act and think rightly.