Pongal Festival 2026 – Four Days of Celebration: Pongal is one of the most important harvest festivals in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu. It marks the beginning of the harvest season and is celebrated
with food, prayers and family gatherings. The festival is closely linked to nature, agriculture and gratitude for a good yield.
This year, Pongal will be observed from January 13 to 16, with each day having its own rituals and significance. The festival follows the Tamil solar calendar and begins with the Tamil month of Thai. In many parts of India, Pongal coincides with Makar Sankranti, Lohri and Uttarayan, though traditions vary across regions.
Pongal 2026: Four Days Of The Festival
Pongal is celebrated over four days: Bhogi, Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Kaanum Pongal. Each day highlights a different aspect of life, ranging from renewal and gratitude to family bonding.
As per Drik Panchang, here are the dates for Pongal 2026:
- Bhogi Pongal: Tuesday, January 13
- Thai Pongal: Wednesday, January 14
- Mattu Pongal: Thursday, January 15
- Kaanum Pongal: Friday, January 16
Pongal 2026: Bhogi Is About Clearing The Old
Bhogi marks the first day of Pongal and the focus is on discarding the old to welcome a fresh beginning. Homes are thoroughly cleaned, unused items are cleared away, and families prepare for the festivities ahead. In the early hours, bonfires known as Bhogi Mantalu are lit, during which old wooden items are burned as part of the traditional ritual.
People wear new clothes, decorate their homes with colourful kolams and share sweets. In many Telugu households, a special ceremony called Bhogi Pallu is performed for young children, where fruits, flowers, coins and pieces of sugarcane are showered on them as blessings for good health and a long life.
According to Drik Panchang, Bhogi Pandigai will be observed on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, while the Bhogi Sankranti moment falls at 03:13 pm on January 14, 2026.
Pongal 2026: Thai Pongal Thanks The Sun God
Thai Pongal is the main day of the festival and is dedicated to the Sun God. On this day, families prepare the traditional dish known as Pongal using freshly harvested rice, milk and jaggery. The dish is cooked in a new clay pot, and the moment the milk boils over is considered an auspicious sign of prosperity.
The prepared Pongal is first offered to the Sun God and then shared among family members. The cooking is usually done outdoors in the morning, symbolising reverence for nature and agriculture. Thai Pongal also marks the beginning of the Tamil month of Thai.
According to Drik Panchang, Thai Pongal will be observed on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, with the Thai Pongal Sankranti moment occurring at 03:13 pm.
Pongal 2026: Mattu Pongal Honours Cattle
Mattu Pongal is dedicated to cows and bulls, acknowledging their vital role in agriculture. On this day, cattle are bathed, adorned with flowers and bells, their horns painted, and worshipped by farmers.
In many villages, the celebrations feature folk dances, traditional games and cattle processions. In some parts of Tamil Nadu, Jallikattu, the traditional bull-taming sport, is organised as part of the festivities. The day underscores the close bond between humans, animals and nature.
According to Drik Panchang, Mattu Pongal will be observed on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Pongal 2026: Kaanum Pongal Is For Togetherness
Kaanum Pongal is the final day of the festival. This day is about spending time with loved ones. Families visit relatives, go on picnics and enjoy meals together. Many people head to beaches, riverbanks, temples or public parks to relax and unwind.
The word Kaanum means “to see,” reflecting the idea of meeting people and reconnecting after days of rituals. It is also a popular day for short trips and outings across Tamil Nadu.
According to Drik Panchang, Kaanum Pongal will be observed on Friday, January 16, 2026.
Pongal 2026: Tamil Nadu Cities Mark The Festival With Music And Traditions
During Pongal, cities and towns across Tamil Nadu come alive with festive energy. People enjoy folk songs and dances, Pongal-themed displays, local craft stalls, temple processions and special prayers.
Cities such as Chennai, Madurai, Thanjavur and Coimbatore are especially known for their large and colourful Pongal celebrations.
