Pongal vs Makar SankrantiImage Credit source: AI-ChatGpt
Pongal vs Makar Sankranti 2026: In South India, the festival of Pongal is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion every year in the second week of January. In the year 2026, Pongal will be from 14th January to 17th January. This festival is mainly celebrated in Tamil Nadu and is directly related to agriculture and worship of Sun God.
Pongal is also called a harvest festival, in which farmers thank God and nature for a good harvest. On this occasion, new crops are harvested and traditional dishes are prepared in homes. Pongal falls around Makar Sankranti, but its traditions and events are different. According to local customs, this festival is celebrated for four days.
Religious and cultural significance of Pongal
The main objective of Pongal is to thank the Sun God and celebrate the success in agriculture. During this time, special dishes like Sakkarai Pongal and Ven Pongal are prepared, which are made from rice, pulses and jaggery. In religious scriptures and local traditions, Sun God is considered a symbol of life-giving energy.
Pongal is not only a religious festival but also a festival of collective life and social interaction. Family, friends and neighbors come together to prepare bhog and pray for the safety and prosperity of the crops in the fields. This is why the festival of Pongal is not only about faith but also about cultural identity.
Difference between Pongal and Makar Sankranti
Both the festivals of Pongal and Makar Sankranti fall in the month of January and are associated with the worship of Sun God, but their form and importance are different. Makar Sankranti is the festival of entry of Sun God into Capricorn and beginning of Uttarayan, which is celebrated with different names and traditions all over India.
Donation of sesame, jaggery and khichdi is considered special on this day. Pongal is mainly an agricultural festival of Tamil Nadu, which is celebrated for four days. Worship of new crop, new rice, cows and bulls has special significance in Pongal. Thus, Makar Sankranti is the festival of astronomical changes, while Pongal is considered a festival associated with agriculture and labour.
Pongal day activities and messages
The festival of Pongal is celebrated for a total of four days. On the first day, Bhog is Pongal, in which offerings are made to the Sun God and the house is cleaned by removing old items. Mattu Pongal is celebrated on the second day, on this day cows and bulls are decorated and respected as they are helpful in farming.
On the third day, Kanni Pongal takes place, in which youth and children participate in sports, dance and cultural activities. Thai Pongal is celebrated on the fourth day, when families and relatives get together. In this way Pongal gives the message of hard work, respect and mutual love.
Also read: Why will Makar Sankranti be celebrated on January 15? These are two big bags including Ekadashi
Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.