Pongal 2026, the Tamil harvest festival, is a four-day celebration starting January 14. The festival thanks the Sun God, nature, and cattle for a bountiful harvest. The highlight is cooking Pongal rice in a new clay pot until it overflows, symbolizing abundance.
Regional Festival
Pongal
पोंगल
Wednesday, January 14, 2026Pausha/Thai Masa
Significance
Pongal is one of the most important festivals in Tamil Nadu and is dedicated to the Sun God. The word 'Pongal' means 'to boil over' or 'overflow', signifying abundance and prosperity.
Rituals & Traditions
- Bhogi – discarding old belongings and lighting a bonfire (Day 1)
- Thai Pongal – cooking rice in milk until it overflows (Day 2)
- Mattu Pongal – decorating and honoring cattle (Day 3)
- Kaanum Pongal – family gatherings and outings (Day 4)
- Drawing kolam (rangoli) designs with rice flour
Panchang Details
Masa
Pausha/Thai
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