New Delhi: As Pongal 2026 dawns with its timeless rituals, the second day—Thai Pongal or Surya Pongal—calls for radiant kolam designs honouring the Sun
God, Surya, whose warmth nurtures life’s bountiful harvests. Across Tamil Nadu, families rise at first light to craft these intricate patterns at their thresholds using rice flour, vibrant powders in golden yellows, fiery oranges, and auspicious reds, often weaving in motifs of sun rays, blooming lotuses, and overflowing Pongal pots. These Surya kolam designs symbolise gratitude for the solar energy that ripens paddy fields and brings prosperity, marking a sacred pause amid the festival’s joyous rhythm. Drawn during the ceremonial boiling of fresh rice pudding, they transform doorsteps into glowing portals of blessing and renewal for the year ahead.
Dive into eight enchanting Surya kolam designs perfect for Thai Pongal 2026, each with simple steps to ignite your creativity and fill your home with festive sparkle. From beginner-friendly dots to layered masterpieces, these patterns capture the sun’s brilliance while echoing harvest abundance.
Beautiful kolam designs for Surya Pongal 2026
1. Classic radiating sun rays Kolam
Begin with a glowing central orb on a 19×19 dot grid, fanning out 16 curved rays like dawn’s first light. Blend golden yellow into orange edges with rice powder for depth; this timeless design thanks Surya for endless abundance during Pongal rituals.
2. Pongal pot Mandala
Place an earthen pot spilling rice and sugarcane at the heart, ringed by a 13-point sun petal mandala. Layer saffron and terracotta tones for warmth; ideal for Thai Pongal, it celebrates the sun-kissed harvest with effortless elegance.
3. Sunrise ombre wave Kolam
Swirl concentric waves from deep crimson to sunny yellow on a 9×9 pulli base, mimicking a rising sun. This modern twist evokes morning vitality, perfect for courtyards and drawing smiles from early visitors.
4. Floral sunburst Rangoli
Anchor with a sunflower core exploding into ray bursts and green leaf accents. Use a simple 15×15 grid for quick creation; its lively hues honour Surya’s nurturing glow on Pongal’s second day.
5. Ombre Gradient Swirls
Freehand curves blending turmeric yellow to crimson red, forming hypnotic waves with central Pongal greetings in Tamil. Modern twist on traditional kolam for Kaanum Pongal; its fluidity suits all levels, creating visual depth that draws admiration from passersby.
6. Sugarcane and pot Kolam
Encircle radiating sun rays with crossed sugarcane stalks in earthy reds and golds. Authentic and balanced, it roots the design in Pongal traditions while welcoming blessings.
7. Pongal scenery depiction
Illusionary depth with shaded layers mimicking a protruding pot, sugarcane accents, and sparkling dots. Cutting-edge for Pongal 2026 trends, use coloured sands for texture; its wow factor turns entrances into art galleries, blending tradition with contemporary illusion.
8. Sun glow Kolam
Sketch a smiling sun face with natural-dye rays and rice grain accents. Sustainable and serene, this freeform beauty aligns with Pongal’s earthy spirit for modern homes.
Easy kolam design tutorials
Let these Surya kolam designs brighten your Thai Pongal 2026, weaving tradition with joy. Pick one, draw it at dawn, and share your sparkling creation—your home will shine!
