{"id":"f-73cd9b4b27-0fb18a42-1187-52bd-bc5f-92b6a49d1159","title":"Pongal 2026: Dates, traditions and sacred meaning behind Tamil Nadu’s harvest festival","description":"Pongal 2026 marks a time of gratitude, renewal, and cultural pride rooted in agrarian traditions. Celebrated over four meaningful days, it reflects faith, nature, and community spirit. Explore the essence of the festival and celebrate mindfully.","timestamp":1768210169,"category":"national_v_two","headline":"Pongal 2026: Dates, traditions and sacred meaning behind Tamil Nadu’s harvest festival","modifiedHeadline":"Pongal 2026: Tamil Nadu's Harvest Festival","subCategories":["scid_d3a98dc5"],"region":"IN","bundleMetaData":{"bundleId":"c80449a0-0ad6-472b-8d17-5747dd8f5c83","bundleTitle":"Around the globe","cardData":null},"iabCategoryId":"1KXCLD","fcSummary":"Pongal 2026, a four-day South Indian harvest festival coinciding with Makar Sankranti, emphasizes gratitude, renewal, and family. Each day holds unique significance, from cleansing on Bhogi Pongal to honoring cattle on Mattu Pongal. Thai Pongal, the most important, is dedicated to the Sun.","summary":"Pongal 2026: A vibrant Tamil Nadu harvest festival, honors agrarian roots with gratitude, renewal, faith, nature, and community spirit.","ctaUrl":"https://trends.glance.com/newz/astrology/IN/en/news9/f-73cd9b4b27-0fb18a42-1187-52bd-bc5f-92b6a49d1159","sourceUrl":"https://www.news9live.com/lifestyle/spirituality/pongal-2026-dates-and-traditions-2918781","bannerImage":"https://g-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/fc/image/qbPZ3dY9S7a0.webp","content":"

New Delhi: Pongal is one of the most important harvest festivals of South India, especially celebrated across Tamil Nadu and by Tamil communities worldwide.

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Rooted in gratitude toward nature, farmers, cattle, and the Sun, Pongal marks a time of abundance, renewal, and family bonding.

In 2026, Pongal coincides with Makar Sankranti, the day when the Sun enters the Capricorn sign, beginning its northward journey. While the festival is observed over four days, each day has its own meaning, rituals, and purpose.\n

Here is a complete guide to Pongal 2026 dates, traditions, significance, and what should be done on each day.

Pongal 2026 holidays and dates

Bhogi Pongal date 2026: Tuesday, 13 January 2026
Thai Pongal date 2026: Wednesday, 14 January 2026
Mattu Pongal date 2026: Thursday, 15 January 2026
Kaanum Pongal date 2026: Friday, 16 January 2026

Thai Pongal, the second day, is the most important day of the festival.

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Pongal 2026: Significance and why it is celebrated

Pongal is a harvest thanksgiving festival. It celebrates:

The Sun God (Surya) for energy and warmth
Farmers for food production
Cattle for supporting agriculture
Nature for rainfall and fertile land

The word Pongal means “to boil over”, symbolising prosperity, growth, and abundance in life.

Pongal is deeply spiritual but not ritual-heavy. Its essence lies in:

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Gratitude over greed
Sharing over hoarding
Harmony with nature
Respect for food and farming

It reminds people that prosperity comes from balance between humans, animals, and the environment.

Day 1: Bhogi Pongal – Letting go of the old

Date: 13 January 2026

Bhogi Pongal marks the beginning of the festival and focuses on cleansing and renewal.

What to do on Bhogi Pongal

Clean homes thoroughly
Discard old, unused items
Light a small bonfire to symbolically burn negativity
Decorate the entrance with fresh kolam (rangoli)

This day represents letting go of the past and preparing for a fresh beginning.

Day 2: Thai Pongal – Gratitude to the sun

Date: 14 January 2026

Thai Pongal is the most sacred and important day of the festival. It marks the Sun’s transition into Capricorn and the start of the Tamil month Thai.

What to do on Thai Pongal

Cook freshly harvested rice with milk and jaggery in a new clay pot
Allow the milk to overflow, symbolising abundance
Cook Pongal outdoors, preferably at sunrise
Offer the first serving to the Sun God
Share the food with family and neighbours

The dish is topped with ghee, cashew nuts, and raisins and is traditionally served on banana leaves.

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Day 3: Mattu Pongal – Honouring cattle

Date: 15 January 2026

Mattu Pongal is dedicated to cattle, especially cows and bulls, who play a vital role in farming.

What to Do on Mattu Pongal

Bathe and decorate cattle with garlands and colours
Offer food and prayers to them
Thank them for their contribution to agriculture

This day highlights respect for animals and the farming ecosystem.

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Day 4: Kaanum Pongal – Family and togetherness

Date: 16 January 2026

Kaanum Pongal is a relaxed day focused on family bonding and social connection.

What to do on Kaanum Pongal

Visit relatives and friends
Spend time outdoors or in nature
Share meals and exchange greetings
Strengthen family relationships

It is a day of joy after the rituals and responsibilities of the previous days.

Pongal and Makar Sankranti connection

Thai Pongal is celebrated on the same day as Makar Sankranti in North India. While names and customs differ, both festivals celebrate:

The Sun’s northward journey (Uttarayan)
A positive seasonal shift
Hope for growth and abundance

Pongal 2026 is more than a harvest festival. It is a reminder to pause, give thanks, and reconnect with nature and loved ones. By observing each day with awareness and simplicity, families believe they invite prosperity, harmony, and happiness for the year ahead.

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Written by: Tanya Singh, Astropatri.com. For feedback, please write to hello@astropatri.com.

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Pongal 2026: Dates, traditions and sacred meaning behind Tamil Nadu’s harvest festival

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