After every grand New Year celebration, another vibrant festival graces the month of January, celebrated across India with joy and cultural diversity. Pongal, a festival of gratitude and abundance, holds special significance in South India.
Pongal 2026 will begin on January 14th and continue for four joyous days, bringing families and communities together to honour nature and express thanks to the Sun God, farmers, and cattle that sustain our lives.
History of Pongal
- Pongal is mentioned in the Viraraghava temple inscription from the Chola king Kulottunga I (1070–1122 CE), describing a land grant for its celebration.
- The 9th-century Shaiva Bhakti text Tiruvempavai by Manikkavacakar also references the festival.
- Variants of the name, such as ponakam, tiruponakam, and ponkal, appear in Tamil texts and inscriptions.
- Recipes from the Chola to Vijayanagara periods show variations of the modern Pongal dish, which was also offered as prasadam in South Indian temples.
Significance of Pongal Festival
Pongal is deeply rooted in gratitude and tradition, celebrating the harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
- It honours the Sun God (Surya), the primary source of energy and a vital contributor to agricultural prosperity.
- This festival marks the conclusion of the winter solstice and the commencement of Uttarayana, the sun's six-month-long northward journey, symbolizing growth and renewal.
- The name “Pongal,” meaning “to boil over,” signifies abundance, prosperity, and a successful harvest.
Often referred to as the Harvest Festival of Tamil Nadu, Pongal is a time for families to express gratitude to nature and welcome a season of hope and positivity.
The Four Days of Pongal Celebration
Day 1: Bhogi
- Date: January 14
- Signifies the end of the Tamil month Margazhi.
- Dedicated to discarding old belongings and embracing new beginnings.
- People light bonfires to burn old and unwanted items, symbolizing the removal of negativity and the welcoming of renewal and prosperity.
- Homes are cleaned, painted, and beautifully decorated to reflect the festive spirit.
- Prayers are offered to Indra, the king of gods, for abundant rains and a fruitful year ahead.
Day 2: Surya Pongal or Thai Pongal
- Date: January 15
- The main day of the Pongal festival, dedicated to Surya, the Sun God.
- Families wear new clothes and prepare the traditional Pongal dish in an earthen pot, decorated with turmeric, flowers, and sugarcane.
- Homes are adorned with banana and mango leaves, and vibrant kolams.
- As the Pongal begins to boil and overflow, people exclaim "Pongalo Pongal!", symbolizing prosperity.
- The dish is first offered to Surya and Ganesha as a mark of gratitude and devotion, then shared among friends and family.
Day 3: Mattu Pongal
- Date: January 16.
- Dedicated to celebrating cattle, considered sources of wealth for their role in dairy production, agriculture, and transportation.
- Cattle are bathed, their horns polished and painted, and adorned with garlands of flowers.
- They are fed sweets such as pongal, jaggery, honey, and fruits.
- Villages host Jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming sport, and temple processions with music and dance.
- Women observe Kanu Pidi, placing food on turmeric leaves for birds, praying for their brothers' well-being.
Day 4: Kanum Pongal
- Date: January 17
- Signifies the conclusion of the year’s celebrations.
- The word "kanum" translates to "to visit," and this day is dedicated to family reunions.
- Communities come together for social events, sharing sugarcane and festive meals.
- Parks and riversides buzz with picnics and cultural programs—a perfect ending to four days of joy.
Pongal Beyond Tamil Nadu
- In North India, Pongal is celebrated as Makar Sankranti.
- In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, it is known as Sankranthi.
- In Kerala, the festival is called Pongala, which includes making the traditional Pongal dish and honouring cattle.
- Tamil communities worldwide celebrate Pongal to keep their cultural traditions alive, making it a global festival of gratitude.
Pongal 2026 Dates and Days
- Bhogi Festival: January 14 (Wednesday)
- Thai Pongal or Surya Pongal: January 15 (Thursday)
- Mattu Pongal: January 16 (Friday)
- Kanum Pongal: January 17 (Saturday
A Global Celebration of Tamil Culture
Today, Pongal is celebrated not only in Tamil Nadu but across Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the United States. Tamil communities abroad come together in temples, community halls, and cultural centers to cook Pongal, perform folk dances, sing bhajans, and pass traditions to the next generation. Pongal has proudly become a global festival of gratitude.
Let the Pongal pot overflow with joy, prosperity, and blessings for all!
Pongalo Pongal!
