Pongal also called as Thai Pongal is a multi-day harvest festival, which is celebrated in South India mainly in the state of Tamil Nadu. As per the Tamil Solar Calendar, Pongal is celebrated in the month of Thai and commonly falls on January 14 or 15. This festival is mainly dedicated to the Sun (Surya) God which corresponds to Makar Sankranti. Pongal is celebrated for about 3 or 4 days with Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal, Maatu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal on consecutive or successive days in the month of January.

Pongal is one of the most important festivals in the South Indian States especially in Tamil Nadu which marks or signs the starting of the harvest or crop season. This festival is rooted in the agricultural traditions of Tamil Nadu and also marks a time of thanksgiving or gratitude for the abundant crops and a celebration of nature’s kindness or generosity si it is also called as ‘Thanksgiving Festival’

Pongal is celebrated for 4 days and each day has its importance and rituals, which will be started on January 14 and end on January 17 in the year 2025 with Bhogi Pongal celebrated on January 14, Surya Pongal on January 15, Maatu Pongal on January 16, and finally Kaanum Pongal on January 17 with great enjoyment.

1. Bhogi Pongal – It is the first day of Pongal and will be celebrated on January 14, 2025 and is dedicated or devoted to Lord Indra (the God of Rain) where houses are cleaned and decorated with diyas, Kolam, flowers, and lights, and also new clothes are worn. On this day, individuals clean their houses which is marked or celebrated via bonfires where individuals burn old items or products and offer gratitude or thanks for the rain, which feeds or nourishes the crops.
2. Surya Pongal – It is the second or main day of Pongal and will be celebrated on January 15, 2025, in which individuals offer prayers to the Sun God’s blessings. This day is dedicated or devoted to Surya (Sun God) and many Pongal dishes including a mixture of milk, newly harvested rice, and jaggery that are prepared on that day to celebrate Surya Pongal.
3. Maatu Pongal – It is the third day of Pongal and will be celebrated on January 16, 2025 and is devoted or honoring and worshipping the cattle (Maatu) because cattle or cows are important for agriculture which are considered sacred in our culture on that day. Devotees decorate cows or cattle with colorful deeds, flower garlands, and bells that show appreciation or gratitude to the farming community.
4. Kaanum Pongal – It is the fourth or last day of Pongal and will be celebrated on January 17, 2025, when families gather together to have delicious food to celebrate this day. Individuals enjoy traditional games, exchange gifts with their family members, and dance to traditional songs to celebrate this last day of Pongal. This last or fourth day of Pongal for traditional folk dances such as Kolattam, and Mayilattam.

On this day, male individuals wear silk and cotton mainly dhoti and kurta, and women wear silk sarees in myriad hues to celebrate Pongal. There are several dishes including made with rice mixed with moong dal and cooked with jaggery, ghee, raisins, and nuts to celebrate Pongal.

Happy Pongal