2026 Pongal
| Date | Day | Holiday | States (Clickable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Jan | Thu | Pongal | Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, Telangana & Tamil Nadu |
2027 Pongal
| Date | Day | Holiday | States (Full Name) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Jan | Fri | Pongal | Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Puducherry & Tamil Nadu |
2028 Bhogi & Pongal
| Date | Day | Holiday | States (Full Name) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Jan | Fri | Bhogi | Telangana |
| 15 Jan | Sat | Pongal | Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, Telangana & Tamil Nadu |
Pongal 2026: Tamil Nadu's Harvest Festival
Pongal is a vibrant four-day harvest festival primarily celebrated in Tamil Nadu, India, marking gratitude to the Sun God and nature for abundant crops. In 2026, it falls from January 14-17, coinciding with the Tamil month of Thai.
📅 Festival Dates 2026
- Bhogi Pongal: January 14 (Wednesday) – Cleansing homes, lighting bonfires.
- Thai Pongal (Surya Pongal): January 15 (Thursday) – Main day with sweet rice pongal to Sun God.
- Mattu Pongal: January 16 (Friday) – Honoring cattle with decorations.
- Kanum Pongal: January 17 (Saturday) – Family gatherings, picnics.
📜 History and Significance
Ancient Origins
- Sangam Age (200 BCE-300 CE): Pongal originated as harvest festival during Tamil literature's golden age.
- Chola Period (1070 CE): Veeraraghava temple inscription by King Kulottunga I records land grants for Pongal celebrations.
- Tamil Literature: Referenced in 9th-century Tiruvempavai by Manikkavacakar and Purananuru.
Cultural Importance
Pongal marks Uttarayana (sun's northward journey), symbolizing growth, prosperity, and agricultural renewal. "Pongal" means "to boil over," representing abundance when rice overflows in clay pots.
🎉 Traditions and Observance
Day-by-Day Rituals| Day | Rituals |
|---|---|
| Bhogi Pongal | Bhogi Mantalu bonfires, home cleaning, discarding old items |
| Thai Pongal | Sweet pongal offering to Sun God, kolam designs, new clothes |
| Mattu Pongal | Cattle decoration, jallikattu bull taming, sugarcane gifts |
| Kanum Pongal | Family picnics, kite flying, community feasts |
Key Traditions
- Pongal Dish: Rice, milk, jaggery boiled outdoors until overflows – offered as prasad.
- Kolam: Rice flour rangoli at entrances welcomes prosperity.
- Home Decor: Mango leaves, banana plants, cow dung floors.
- Jallikattu: Traditional bull-taming sport in Madurai, Theni regions.
⚡ Key Facts about Makara Sankranti
- Same Day: Thai Pongal (Jan 15) = Makara Sankranti – both mark sun's entry into Capricorn.
- Pan-Indian: Celebrated nationwide as harvest festival with regional variations.
- Tamil vs National: Pongal emphasizes Tamil culture; Sankranti more agricultural focus.
- Regional Names: Andhra=Pedda Panduga, Karnataka=Sankranti, Maharashtra=Makar Sankrant.
- Auspicious Timing: Uttarayana period begins – 6 months of growth & prosperity.
🌟 Cultural Significance
- Tamil Identity: Known as Tamizhar Thirunal (Festival of Tamils).
- Agricultural Gratitude: Honors Sun God, cattle, rain, and farming community.
- Social Renewal: Family reunions, gift exchanges strengthen community bonds.
- Global Reach: Tamil diaspora celebrates in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Canada, USA.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Pongal 2026?
Pongal 2026 celebrated from January 14 to 17. Four days: Bhogi (14th), Thai (15th), Mattu (16th), Kanum (17th).
What makes Thai Pongal special?
Main day dedicated to Sun God. Sweet pongal cooked in new clay pots outdoors until overflows - symbolizes abundance & prosperity.
What to wear for Pongal?
Men: Veshti/Dhoti with angavastram. Women: Silk saree or half-saree. Bright colors - yellow, red, green symbolizing harvest & prosperity.
Is Pongal only in Tamil Nadu?
Mainly Tamil Nadu but Tamil communities worldwide celebrate. Similar harvest festivals: Makar Sankranti (Andhra, Telangana), Lohri (Punjab).
What dishes are prepared?
Sweet Pongal (sarkkarai pongal), Savory Pongal (venn pongal), Sambar, Payasam, Vadai, Sweet Appam, Coconut Chutney, Mango Pachadi.