पोंगल
Pongal
The Tamil harvest festival of thanks to the Sun, named after the sweet rice boiled until it overflows.
About Pongal
Pongal is celebrated over four days in Tamil Nadu, starting with Bhogi the day before Makar Sankranti. Thai Pongal, the main day, is the first day of the Tamil month of Thai.
Families boil new rice with milk and jaggery in a clay pot outdoors, facing the Sun. When it boils over they shout "Pongalo Pongal", a sign of abundance for the year.
How to celebrate
Bhogi: clear out old things and light a bonfire.
Thai Pongal: cook sakkarai pongal in a new pot in the sunlight and offer it to the Sun.
Mattu Pongal: bathe and decorate cattle and thank them for their work.
Kaanum Pongal: visit family and friends.
Questions
When is Pongal in 2026?
Pongal 2026 is on Wednesday, 14 January 2026.
When does the Sun change sign for Pongal 2026?
The Sun enters the new sign at 3:07 PM on Wednesday 14 January IST. Pick your city in the timings card to see local times.
What does Pongal mean?
Pongal means to boil over. The overflowing pot of rice and milk stands for prosperity.
How many days is Pongal?
Four days: Bhogi, Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Kaanum Pongal.
Around Pongal
Coming up
- Karva ChauthThu 29 Oct
- Ahoi AshtamiSun 1 Nov
- Rama EkadashiThu 5 Nov
- DhanterasFri 6 Nov
- DiwaliSun 8 Nov
- Narak ChaturdashiSun 8 Nov
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