Festival of Pongal is celebrated on 14 January to marks the start of sun’s six-month long journey northwards (Uttarayana).

The festival is mostly celebrated in the southern part on India. It is celebrated in Tamil Nadu as a holiday and it is the one of the prominent festival of that state.

On the first day of Pongal festival, known as 'Bhogi' a special puja is performed before the cutting of paddy. Farmers worship the sun and the earth by putting sandalwood paste on their ploughs and sickles. These tools are then used to cut the newly-harvested rice.
   
In Tamil urban families, people light a bonfire in the evening and discard their old belongings and some grains in the fire, a practice similar to Lohri.

The second day, the main day of celebration is when the new rice is collected and cooked in pots until they overflow. This overflowing signifies Pongal. The Sun God is offered boiled milk and jaggery.
   
Tamils watch the boil over of milk as it is considered a good omen and symbolises prosperity.

People also exchange warm greeting on the day. Those away from their loved ones sond Pongal SMS messages.

Here are some Pongal SMS messages quotes

May the SWEETNESS of overflowing milk and sugarcane
Fill your home with harmony and happiness
Wishing you the best and prosperous Pongal!

Wishing that this festival brings good luck
and prosperity and hoping that it is joyous,
and fills your days ahead with happiness.
Have a wonderful Pongal.

Many Many Happy Pongal !
My First Wishes & Best Wishes !

As you joyfully celebrate the festival of Pongal and welcome the harvest season,
this greeting is being sent your way,
to wish you everything, that the occasion is meant to bring.
Have a Happy Pongal.

Happy Pongal to all!
We thank sun for burning himself to save us.
We thank plants sacrificing their life for us.
And we thank all the creatures helping us to live in this world for some time.

May this auspicious festival bring you
Overflowing happiness, joy and prosperity
Wishing you a blessed and happy Pongal!

Celebrate this day with a heart
Filled with cheer and fervor
Sending my warmest greetings to you
And to your family and loved ones this Pongal.
Pongalo Pongal!

The sun shines bright
To guide and lead us the way
Towards bountiful harvest season
May you be blessed with prosperity and joy
Happy Pongal!

I pray that this festival may be the start of your brighter days
Filled with happiness, good luck and prosperity.
Happy Pongal!