Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated by the Tamil community. Spanning over four days, the festival is observed by showing gratitude to the Sun, Mother
Nature, and the various farm animals that help to contribute to a bountiful harvest. It is observed predominantly across Tamil Nadu and also among the Tamil communities in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. Pongal also marks the commencement of the pious Tamil month 'Thai,' falling on the 14th or 15th of January each year. On this occasion, educational institutions in some southern states, including Tamil Nadu, remain closed. This year, Tamil Nadu schools will remain shut on January 15, 16, and 17, 2026. Tamil Nadu Pongal Holidays 2026
- Pongal: January 15
- Mattu Pongal and Thiruvalluvar Day: January 16
- Kaanum Pongal and Uzhavar Thinam: January 17
Some are demanding a closure on January 14 as well due to Bhogi. If and when the request is accepted, we will let you know.
Tamil Nadu School Holiday List 2026
Refer to the table below to check the complete holiday list for Tamil Nadu:
| Holiday / Occasion | Dates 2026 (Tentative) |
| New Year | 1-Jan-26 |
| Pongal / Tamil New Year | January 15–17, 2026 |
| Republic Day | 26-Jan-26 |
| Summer Vacation | April 1 – May 15, 2026 |
| Good Friday | 28-Mar-26 |
| Independence Day | 15-Aug-26 |
| Vinayaka Chaturthi | 7-Sep-26 |
| Ayudha Pooja / Dussehra Holidays | October 11–17, 2026 |
| Deepavali / Diwali Holidays | October 29 – November 2, 2026 |
| Christmas | 25-Dec-26 |
| Winter Vacation | December 20, 2026 – January 1, 2027 |
