To celebrate the arrival of harvest during Pongal, families typically engage in cooking the special dish called Pongal, made from freshly harvested rice, jaggery, and milk. The preparation of this dish is often accompanied by rituals honoring the sun god and other deities, symbolizing gratitude for the harvest. Families decorate their homes with kolams (rangoli) and prepare for community festivities, sharing meals with neighbors and friends. The festival is characterized by joyous celebrations, music, and dance, reinforcing strong communal ties and a spirit of togetherness as people express their thanks for the bountiful harvest.