Pongal 2026Image Credit source: Getty Images
Pongal 2026 Date: Pongal, the biggest and most exciting festival of South India, is about to arrive. Celebrated with the entry of Sun into Capricorn, this festival is mainly dedicated to nature and farmers. Often people are confused about the date whether Pongal is on 13th January or 14th January. Come, let us know about the exact date of Pongal and the importance of its four days.
When will Pongal be celebrated? (Pongal 2026 Date)
According to the calendar, in the year 2026, Pongal festival will be celebrated from 14 January to 17 January 2026. During this time, the moment of Sun entering Capricorn i.e. Sankranti will be at 5.43 pm, which is considered very auspicious. Generally, when Makar Sankranti is celebrated in North India, Pongal is celebrated in South India at the same time.
Religious and cultural significance of Pongal
The word Pongal means boiling or waving. Traditionally, newly harvested rice is boiled in milk and offered to Lord Surya.
Feast of Gratitude: This festival is a means of expressing gratitude towards nature, Sun God and cattle (cows and bulls), because only with their help farmers get good crops.
Symbol of prosperity: It is believed that on the day of Pongal, happiness, peace and prosperity come to the house. It is also the beginning of the Thai month of the Tamil calendar, about which there is a saying, Thai Pirandhal Vaazhi Pirakkum i.e. with the beginning of the Thai month, new paths will open.
4 day long festival: What all happens?
The festival of Pongal lasts for four days, and each day has its own special story and tradition.
Day 1: Bhogi Pongal (January 14)
This day is dedicated to Devraj Indra. On this day, people clean their houses and throw out old, useless items from the house and burn them. It symbolizes the end of evil and the beginning of a new one.
Second day: Surya Pongal (15 January)
This is the most important day of Pongal. On this day, Pongal is made by putting new rice, milk and jaggery in a new earthen pot in the courtyard. When the boiling rice starts falling out of the pot, people happily proclaim Pongal-o-Pongal. This offering is made to the Sun God.
Third day: Mattu Pongal (16 January)
This day is for the cattle used in agriculture, especially bulls and cows. They are bathed, their horns are painted and they are garlanded and worshipped. Jallikattu, the famous game of Tamil Nadu, is also organized on this day.
Fourth day: Kanun Pongal (January 17)
On the last day of the festival all the family members meet together. Women worship for the happiness and prosperity of their brothers and family. People visit each other’s houses, distribute sweets and celebrate.
Also read- What are the special rules for women on Makar Sankranti, how should married women keep the fast?
Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.