Talk to India's best Astrologers
First Consultation at ₹1 only
Login
Enter your mobile number
Pongal, also known as Uttarayan Punyakalam, is a four-day harvest festival celebrated in the month of Tai (Tamil calendar), mainly in South India. Referred to as ‘boiling’ or ‘overflowing,’ it marks the beginning of the spring season and honours the Sun and mother nature.
Tamil traditions believe that during the Pongal festival, the journey of the Sun begins its northward ascent. Therefore, they celebrate four Pongal days each year, here is a complete list:
Pongal Festival 2026 | Pongal Festival 2026 Date & Day |
---|---|
Bhogi Pongal (Honours New Beginnings) | 14th January 2026 (Wednesday) |
Surya Pongal (Honours the Sun) | 15th January 2026 (Thursday) |
Mattu Pongal (Honours Cattle) | 16th January 2026 (Friday) |
Kaanum Pongal (Honours Family Reunion) | 17th January 2026 (Saturday) |
The festival of Pongal holds great significance in the hearts of South Indian people. Celebrated at the peak of the winter solstice, it signifies the unbreakable bond between nature and humans. Below are the key reasons explaining the significance of Pongal festival:
A four-day festival, Pongal have unique rituals and customs that reflect Tamil culture and traditions. Every ritual has meaning, from honoring the Surya Deva to burning old items to letting go of negativity. Below are the key customs followed during these four days:
The first day of Pongal known as Bhogi Pongal, marks the beginning of the Pongal festival. The first day is dedicated to Lord Indra, who saved their crops from being damaged by the droughts. On this day, people decorate their homes with Rangoli, known as Kolams and clean their homes.
The second day is dedicated to Surya God, where the devotees unite to worship Lord Surya. On this day, fresh milk is boiled until it touches the tip of the vessel. So this is how the celebration of Pongal begins. After the Prasad, made out of milk, rice, and jaggery, is prepared, it is first offered to Lord Surya.
The Mattu Pongal is dedicated to Cows and oxen because the successful harvesting of crops is only possible because of them. On this day, the homes of cows and oxen are cleaned, decorated and offered with freshly made Pongal after offering to God. Bullfights are also organised in some regions of Tamil Nadu known as the Jallikattu.
Kaanum Pongal is also traditionally referred to as Karinaal in Tamil Nadu. This is the last day of the Pongal festival, where Sarkarai Pongal is offered to the Sun God. People visit their dear ones to celebrate the joy of sweetness by exchanging sugar canes and offerings to the Gods. People also perform a traditional Tamil dance known as Kali Attam.
Pongal is a time to attract and good fortune! But by following the simple remedies, one can make this festival more auspicious and attract more prosperity. Here are the effective ways to attract abundance and endless blessings during Pongal:
Read About Other Important Festivals