Pongal is a major harvest festival celebrated with joy and celebrations across Tamil Nadu and other parts of South India. The festival marks the beginning
of the harvest season and is celebrated to thank nature for abundance and prosperity. In 2026, Pongal will be observed from January 14 to January 17, and it coincides with other harvest festivals like Makar Sankranti and Magh Bihu celebrated in different parts of India.
Thai Pongal 2026 Date And Timings
Thai Pongal 2026: Wednesday, January 14
Thai Pongal Sankranti Moment: 03:13 PM
Makar Sankranti: January 14, 2026
What Is Thai Pongal?
Thai Pongal is the main day of the four-day Pongal festival, celebrated widely across Tamil Nadu and by Tamil communities around the world. It marks the beginning of the Tamil month Thai, which coincides with the Sun’s movement into Makara (Capricorn). While many parts of India celebrate this solar transition as Makar Sankranti with holy river baths and charity, Tamil Nadu observes it through home-based rituals, traditional cooking, kolam decorations, and Surya worship.
Significance Of Thai Pongal
The true meaning of Thai Pongal lies in gratitude and abundance. Farmers thank the Sun, rain, land, and cattle for supporting agriculture and sustaining life. The festival symbolises prosperity, renewal, and fresh beginnings. A well-known Tamil saying, “Thai Pirandhaal Vazhi Pirakkum”, reflects the belief that the month of Thai opens new paths and opportunities, making it an ideal time for hope and positive change.
Thai Pongal Puja Rituals
The most important ritual of Thai Pongal is the preparation of the Pongal dish, made from freshly harvested rice, milk, and jaggery.
Pongal is traditionally cooked outdoors at sunrise. As the milk boils over, families chant “Pongalo Pongal”, symbolising prosperity. The dish is then made better with ghee, cashews and sugar, and the first offering is made to Lord Surya. The prasad is then served to family members on banana leaves
Disclaimer: This article is based on popular beliefs. Times Now is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information provided.
