Pongal - A 4 Day Festival
Gratitude to Nature, Harvests and Farmers
Pongal is a four-day-long harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry, India. It is typically celebrated in the month of January, usually around January 14th, and marks the beginning of the sun's six-month-long journey northwards (Uttarayana) and the start of the Tamil month of Thai.
The main significance of Pongal is the celebration of the harvest season and the gratitude to nature, especially the Sun God, for a bountiful harvest. The festival is also an opportunity for people to come together with their families, friends and community, to exchange gifts, and to share a traditional meal.
Bhogi is a Hindu festival celebrated in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. It is typically celebrated on the day before Makar Sankranti, which is also known as Pongal in Tamil Nadu. Bhogi marks the first days of the 4 day Pongal festivals.
The main significance of Bhogi is the symbolic burning of old possessions to mark the start of a new year and new beginnings. The burning of old possessions is also believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year. The festival is also an opportunity for people to spend time with their families, exchange gifts, and share a traditional meal. Overall, Bhogi is a festival that celebrates new beginnings, the end of winter and the start of a new solar cycle, and is an important cultural and social event for people in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.
On the second day, known as Surya Pongal or Thai Pongal, people prepare and offer sweet dishes made from newly harvested rice, sugarcane, and other grains to the Sun God as a form of thanksgiving. On the third day, known as Mattu Pongal, people pay respects to their cattle, which play an important role in their livelihoods. The fourth and final day, known as Kaanum Pongal, is a day for families to gather and socialize.
During the Pongal festival, many traditional sports and games are played. Some of the most popular sports and games include:
1. Jallikattu: Jallikattu is a traditional bull-taming sport that is held on the second day of Pongal, known as Thai Pongal. This is a very popular event and is seen as a way of showcasing courage, strength, and skill.
2. Kabbadi: This is a team sport that is popular in South India, and is usually played during Pongal. It is a physical game in which two teams take turns sending a "raider" across to the opposing team's side, in order to win points by tagging or wrestling members of the opposite team.
3. Silambattam: This is a traditional martial art that is performed using sticks. The performers usually wear traditional clothes and perform various moves and stunts with their sticks.
All these games are played to celebrate the Pongal festival and are enjoyed by people of all ages. They also provide an opportunity for people to show off their physical skills and compete with each other in a spirit of friendly rivalry.
Many traditional sweets and savouries are made to celebrate the festival. They are an important part of the Pongal tradition and are usually shared with family and friends.
1. Pongal: Pongal is a sweet dish made from newly harvested rice, jaggery, and milk. It is offered to the Sun God as a form of thanksgiving on the second day of Pongal, known as Surya Pongal or Thai Pongal.
2. Vellai Pongal: This is a variation of the traditional Pongal dish, but made with white rice instead of brown rice.
3. Sakkarai Ponga (Sugar)l: This is a sweet version of Pongal made with jaggery, ghee and cardamom.
4. Ven Pongal: This is a savoury version of Pongal made with rice and moong dal. It is usually served with sambar and chutney.
5. Kalkandu Pongal (Diamond Sugar): This is a sweet dish made with rock candy, rice and milk.
6. Sweet Pongal: This is a sweet dish made with rice, jaggery and ghee.
7. Payasam: This is a sweet dish made with milk, jaggery, and a variety of ingredients such as vermicelli, rice, and lentils.
8. Murukku: This is a traditional savoury snack made with rice flour, urad dal flour, and cumin seeds.
All these sweets and savouries are made to celebrate the Pongal festival and are enjoyed by people of all ages.
Overall, Pongal is an important cultural and social event for people in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry, it celebrates the harvest season and the gratitude to nature, marks the start of the new solar cycle and new year, and is an opportunity for people to come together and strengthen the bonds of community and family.
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Britain’s PM Calls Trump on Greenland: Defending Sovereignty in a Shifting Arctic
When you think of New Year’s conversations between world leaders, Greenland probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Yet on January 7, 2026, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and former U.S. President Donald Trump discussed the icy island over a phone call — and it made headlines worldwide. Why? Because Greenland, a massive, ice-covered territory in the Arctic, is suddenly at the center of global geopolitics, and Britain is making sure its voice is heard. Greenland Isn’t Just Ice At first glance, Greenland seems remote and quiet — a land of snow, glaciers, and polar bears. But this island is strategically critical. It sits between North America and Europe, holds valuable natural resources, and commands control over emerging Arctic shipping routes as ice melts due to climate change. In recent years, Greenland has captured the attention of global powers, especially the United States. Trump has repeatedly suggested that the island is crucial to U.S. national security and even hinted at the possibility of acquiring it. These ideas, though unlikely, raised eyebrows in Europe and among NATO allies. For Denmark, Greenland’s governing country, and its residents, this rhetoric was a reminder that sovereignty matters — and outsiders shouldn’t dictate their future. Starmer’s Clear Message During the phone call, Starmer made Britain’s position unmistakable: Greenland’s future must be decided by its people and Denmark, not by external powers. This wasn’t just diplomacy for the sake of headlines. It’s about principles that Britain has long defended: respect for sovereignty, international law, and the rules-based global order. Starmer’s message sends a signal not only to Trump but also to other countries that might think about exerting undue influence over smaller, strategic territories. The call also touched on other global concerns, including NATO security matters, Arctic maritime operations, and broader geopolitical tensions. But it’s Greenland that grabbed the spotlight — because it’s a flashpoint for sovereignty, alliance dynamics, and Arctic strategy. Why the UK Cares You might wonder: why is Britain involved in a discussion about Greenland? After all, it’s part of Denmark. The answer lies in NATO and European security. Greenland is strategically vital for the alliance. Any unilateral action by the U.S. to control or influence Greenland could threaten NATO cohesion. Britain, as a leading NATO member, has a stake in ensuring that all alliance decisions respect sovereignty and the rules of international cooperation. In other words, Britain isn’t stepping into Greenland’s affairs to take control — it’s defending the principle that territorial decisions should belong to the rightful authorities, in this case, Denmark and Greenland’s residents. Alliances and Principles Starmer’s call also highlights a delicate balancing act. The UK maintains a close relationship with the U.S., but that doesn’t mean it agrees with every idea, especially when sovereignty is at stake. This is the reality of modern diplomacy: even trusted allies can have differences of opinion, and leaders must navigate these differences carefully. Starmer’s message to Trump reflects a wider approach — maintain strong alliances while standing firm on core values. Some politicians have acknowledged that disagreements are normal and even healthy in long-standing partnerships. The key is open communication and respect for international norms, which Starmer aimed to demonstrate during the call. Greenland as a Symbol Beyond geopolitics, Greenland has become a symbol of a new era in global relations. Arctic resources, strategic positions, and climate change are making previously quiet regions hotspots for diplomacy. Greenland reminds the world that territory, sovereignty, and self-determination are still central issues, even in the 21st century. For Britain, standing with Denmark and affirming Greenland’s autonomy sends a clear message: the UK supports international law and the idea that small regions should not be pawns in great-power games. What This Means Going Forward So what can we expect after this phone call? Greenland remains firmly under Danish control, with its future in the hands of its residents. NATO cohesion is reinforced, as European leaders see Britain advocating for rules-based governance. The Arctic region continues to be a strategic focal point, with countries carefully watching each other’s moves. In short, Starmer’s call is a reminder that even in a world of powerful nations, diplomacy, respect, and legal principles still matter. Takeaways Sovereignty Matters: Greenland’s future is a matter for its people, not outside powers. Allies Can Disagree: Britain’s defense of principles shows that disagreements with allies don’t have to break partnerships. Strategic Regions Are Hotspots: Arctic regions like Greenland are increasingly important in global security, economics, and diplomacy. Principles Over Power: Upholding international law is as critical as maintaining military or economic influence. Greenland may be far from the streets of London or Washington, but the stakes are high. Starmer’s phone call with Trump demonstrates that the UK is ready to defend sovereignty, international norms, and alliance cohesion, even when the conversation turns icy.
By Muhammad Hassan5 days ago in Earth
Fly-Arousing Orchid and Zombie Fungus Among 2025’s Most Astonishing Botanical and Fungal Finds
Nature never stops surprising us. In 2025, botanists and mycologists around the world unveiled a collection of discoveries so strange they sound almost fictional. From a fly-arousing orchid that mimics insects with unsettling precision to a “zombie” fungus capable of hijacking its host, these finds highlight how much of Earth’s biodiversity still remains hidden — and how creative evolution can be. These discoveries are not just curiosities for scientists. They offer deeper insight into pollination, survival strategies, ecosystem balance, and even potential medical breakthroughs. Together, they remind us that even in an age of satellites and AI, nature still holds countless secrets waiting to be uncovered. The Fly-Arousing Orchid: Seduction as a Survival Strategy Among the most talked-about discoveries of 2025 is a newly identified orchid species that has taken deceptive pollination to a whole new level. Found in a remote region with limited insect diversity, this orchid doesn’t attract pollinators with nectar or bright colors. Instead, it sexually deceives male flies. The flower closely resembles the shape, texture, and scent of a female fly, producing chemical signals that trigger mating behavior in unsuspecting males. Drawn in by false promises, the flies attempt to mate with the flower — a process known as pseudocopulation. During this encounter, pollen sticks to the insect’s body and is later transferred to another orchid, completing the plant’s reproductive cycle. While similar strategies have been observed in some orchid species before, researchers say this one is unusually sophisticated. Its scent profile is so precise that it targets only one specific fly species, making the relationship incredibly specialized — and fragile. Why This Orchid Matters Beyond its shock value, the fly-arousing orchid provides important lessons about coevolution. Over thousands of years, the orchid and its pollinator appear to have shaped each other’s survival strategies. This level of specialization demonstrates both the brilliance and vulnerability of nature. If the fly species declines due to climate change, habitat loss, or pollution, the orchid could face extinction. Scientists say this discovery underscores why biodiversity conservation must consider entire ecological relationships, not just individual species. The “Zombie” Fungus: When Nature Takes Control Equally unsettling — and fascinating — is the discovery of a new fungal species quickly nicknamed a “zombie fungus.” Found in tropical forest ecosystems, this fungus infects small insects and gradually alters their behavior to serve its own reproductive needs. Once inside the host, the fungus releases chemical signals that affect the insect’s nervous system. The infected insect abandons its normal behavior, climbing to an elevated position before dying. From there, the fungus grows outward, releasing spores that rain down on potential new hosts below. This mind-controlling behavior has drawn comparisons to well-known parasitic fungi, but researchers say the 2025 discovery displays previously undocumented precision in behavioral manipulation. Why Scientists Are Excited — Not Horrified While the term “zombie fungus” captures public attention, scientists are more interested in its biochemical mechanisms. Understanding how the fungus influences nervous systems could open doors to: New antibiotics or antifungal treatments Insights into neurological signaling Natural alternatives to chemical pesticides Fungi have already contributed to major medical advances, including penicillin. Discoveries like this reinforce the idea that nature’s strangest organisms may hold the most valuable solutions. Other Remarkable Botanical and Fungal Finds of 2025 The fly-arousing orchid and zombie fungus are only part of a much larger picture. In 2025, researchers also documented: Carnivorous Plants with Improved “Traps” New species of carnivorous plants were discovered using faster and more efficient trapping mechanisms, allowing them to survive in nutrient-poor soils. Glow-Enhancing Bioluminescent Fungi Scientists identified fungi with unusually bright natural bioluminescence, potentially useful for sustainable lighting research and environmental monitoring. Climate-Resilient Plants Several newly cataloged plant species showed remarkable resistance to drought and extreme temperatures, offering hope for future agricultural innovation. Each discovery adds a piece to the puzzle of how life adapts to changing environments. What These Discoveries Say About Our Planet One of the most striking takeaways from 2025’s discoveries is how much remains unexplored, especially in remote forests, underground ecosystems, and tropical regions. Scientists estimate that millions of fungal species alone have yet to be identified. These findings also highlight an uncomfortable truth: many species are being discovered at the same time they are being threatened. Habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution could wipe out organisms before we even understand their role in nature. The Role of Technology in Modern Discovery Advances in DNA sequencing, satellite mapping, and AI-assisted analysis played a major role in these discoveries. Scientists can now identify new species more quickly and understand their relationships within ecosystems with greater accuracy. However, technology alone is not enough. Field research, conservation funding, and local knowledge remain essential to uncovering and protecting Earth’s hidden biodiversity. Why the Public Should Care It’s easy to dismiss bizarre plants and fungi as scientific oddities. But history shows that today’s curiosities often become tomorrow’s breakthroughs. From medicines to sustainable materials, many human innovations began with close observation of nature. The fly-arousing orchid teaches us about communication and deception in evolution, while zombie fungi may help us understand disease control and neurological processes. Protecting biodiversity isn’t just about saving nature — it’s about safeguarding humanity’s future. Conclusion: Nature Is Stranger — and Smarter — Than We Imagine The botanical and fungal discoveries of 2025 remind us that the natural world is far more inventive than fiction. From seductive orchids to mind-controlling fungi, evolution has crafted solutions that challenge our understanding of life itself. As scientists continue to explore Earth’s hidden corners, one thing becomes clear: we are only beginning to understand the complexity beneath our feet and above our heads. Preserving these ecosystems ensures that nature’s most astonishing stories — and solutions — are not lost before they are told.
By Muhammad Hassan5 days ago in Earth
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