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Pongal is a widely celebrated Hindu festival among the Tamil community. It is a four day Hindu harvest festival. Pongal is celebrated in great grandeur in Tamil Nadu and some parts of Kerala. Pongal is a cultural, religious, and social festival hosted as a thanksgiving to the God of Sun and the elements of nature for supporting agriculture. Read this article till the end to know more about the date, history and significance of Pongal.
Pongal marks the beginning of the sun’s northward journey, Uttarayan, for the coming six months. It is usually observed at the beginning of the tenth month, Thai according to the Tamil calendar. The celebrations for Pongal 2026 will commence from 14 January till 17 January.
Pongal 2026 Date – January 14 to 17
In this article readers can get a glimpse on
- History and Significance of Pongal
- Pongal Celebration 2026
- Pongal Quiz
Pongal Dates
1: Who was the first woman President of India?
Pongal is a grand festival celebrated for four consecutive days from 14 January to 17 January 2026. Each day has a special name and significance. The Pongal days and the dates on which they are celebrated are given in the table below.
| Observance | Date | Day |
| Bhogi Pongal | January 14, 2026 | Tuesday |
| Thai Pongal | January 15, 2026 | Wednesday |
| Mattu Pongal | January 16, 2026 | Thursday |
| Kaanum Pongal | January 17, 2026 | Friday |
Pongal is dedicated to the Hindu God of Sun which matches with the harvest festival, Makar Sankranti.
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Start Learning!Pongal 2026 – History
The celebration of Pongal revolves around two major stories.
Once, Lord Shiva had asked his bull, Basava, to travel around the world to inform people to eat once a month and have a bath and oil massage every day. Basava communicated the exact opposite of what he was told. He told people to eat every day and bathe once a month.
This eventually, angered Lord Shiva to the extent that he ordered Basava to go into exile. Basava was made to assist people while ploughing. This is the reason why cattle are linked with the Pongal harvest.
There is also another story to it. According to some people, Lord Krishna ordered the people of Gokul to stop worshipping Lord Indra as he was filled with pride and arrogance. This infuriated Lord Indra. As a result, Lord Indra caused thunderstorms and flooding. To protect the people, Lord Krishna lifted Mount Govardhan on his little finger sheltering them. Lord Indra then, realised his mistakes and asked for Lord Krishna to forgive him.
Pongal 2026 – Significance
The Pongal harvest festival is all about letting go of the past and starting new all over again, welcoming new things. Households don a festive look, people also dress up in brand new clothes and buy new vessels. Traditional delicacies are an eminent part of the festivities. Special food items like pongal, medu vada,rasam, avial, beetroot pachadi, moong dal payasam and sakkarai pongal are also prepared during the four days of Pongal. Pongal, also known as Thai Pongal is a four-day festivity as discussed below:
- Bhogi Pongal: The first day of the four-day harvest festivity is Bhogi Pongal. This day marks the last day of Marghazi, Tamil month. It is celebrated by people together by lighting bonfires and burning discarded or unwanted items of the house.
- Surya Pongal: The second day is the day of Surya Pongal. It is dedicated to the Lord of Sun or Surya Dev. People show gratitude to him for providing a good harvest and seek blessings for happiness and prosperity. On this day, the houses are decorated with mango and banana leaves.
- Mattu Pongal: The third day is Mattu Pongal. Mattu means cattle, cow or bullock. This day the people celebrate cattle as they provide milk and dairy products, fertilizers and agriculture support. The cows are worshipped by people, like gods. They bathe the cattle, feed them well and also decorate the cow’s horns with garlands and flowers.
- Kanum Pongal: The fourth and last day is Kanum Pongal. This day is for strengthening the bond between people. A lot of people come together and celebrate this auspicious day.
How Pongal is Celebrated Across Different Regions
Tamil Nadu – The Heart of Pongal Traditions
Tamil Nadu bursts into festivities with colourful kolams (rangoli), traditional music, and bull-taming contests like Jallikattu in Madurai. Madurai in January is a hotspot for cultural enthusiasts.
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
Though named differently, the spirit remains the same. People prepare traditional Pongal dishes and decorate their homes. Bengaluru sees community feasts and fairs.
Urban Celebrations
Cities like Chennai combine modern events with cultural practices, making them some of the best places to visit in South India during the festival.
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Start Learning!Pongal 2026 Wishes, Messages & Quotes
Here are some lovely Pongal greetings and creative pongal wishes that you can send across to spread the joy!
1. May this harvest festival fill your hearts and home with happiness. Happy Pongal!
2. On this joyous occasion, may you be blessed with peace and happiness in abundance. Wish you a happy and prosperous Pongal 2026!
3. Sending the most fortunate warm wishes your way on this happy occasion of Pongal!
4. Let us all celebrate this auspicious occasion with decoration and beautiful kolams. Happy Pongal!
5. Give thanks to the Almighty for every blessing you receive in your life. We wish you a Happy Pongal!
6. Here’s sending my warm and heartfelt wishes to you and your family this Pongal. Happy Pongal!
7. May this festival be the beginning of your brighter days, and may you be blessed with prosperity and joy. Happy Pongal!
Pongal Quiz 2026
Pongal is primarily celebrated in which Indian state?
A) Kerala
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Andhra Pradesh
A) Fishing
B) Trade
C) Agriculture
3. What does the word “Pongal” mean in Tamil?
A) Sweet dish
B) Overflow
C) Harvest
A) Two days
B) Three days
C) Four days
5. Which day of Pongal is dedicated to cattle?
A) Bhogi
B) Mattu Pongal
C) Kaanum Pongal
A) Wheat
B) Rice
C) Barley
A) Moon
B) Sun
C) Rain
A) Rangoli
B) Kolam
C) Mandala
A) Temple fasting
B) Family outings
C) Farming rituals
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Pongal Quiz 2026 PDF
Pongal is more than just a harvest festival, as it represents gratitude, renewal, and harmony with nature. It highlights the importance of agriculture, the role of farmers, and respect for natural elements like the Sun and cattle. The festival also strengthens cultural identity through traditional rituals, food, and decorations. Families come together to celebrate abundance and share happiness. These customs have been passed down through generations.
In today’s fast-changing world, Pongal continues to hold deep cultural relevance. It reminds people of sustainable living and respect for nature. The festival encourages social bonding and community participation. Its values remain meaningful across ages. Pongal stands as a timeless celebration of life and prosperity.
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Start Learning!Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pongal and why is it celebrated?
Pongal is a traditional harvest festival celebrated mainly in Tamil Nadu. It marks the end of the winter harvest season. Farmers thank nature for a successful crop yield. The festival honors the Sun, soil, rain, and cattle. It reflects gratitude and prosperity in agrarian life.
When is Pongal usually celebrated?
Pongal is celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai. It usually falls in mid-January every year. The date is based on the solar calendar. It coincides with the sun’s northward journey. This period is considered very auspicious.
How many days is Pongal celebrated and what are they?
Pongal is celebrated over four days. The days are Bhogi, Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal. Each day has a unique cultural significance. The celebrations progress from home cleansing to social gatherings. Together, they represent renewal and gratitude.
What is Bhogi Pongal and why is it important?
Bhogi Pongal is the first day of the festival. People discard old items and clean their homes. Bonfires are lit to burn unwanted belongings. This symbolizes letting go of the past. It represents a fresh and positive beginning.
What happens on Thai Pongal day?
Thai Pongal is the main day of the festival. People prepare the Pongal dish outdoors. The dish is cooked until it overflows. This overflow symbolizes abundance and prosperity. The Sun God is worshipped on this day.
What is Mattu Pongal and how is it celebrated?
Mattu Pongal is dedicated to cattle. Cows and bulls are decorated with flowers and bells. They are worshipped for helping in agriculture. Special rituals are performed for their well-being. It highlights respect for animals in farming life.
What is the significance of Kaanum Pongal?
Kaanum Pongal is the fourth day of celebrations. Families go out for picnics and visits. It focuses on social bonding and relaxation. People meet relatives and friends. The day promotes unity and happiness.
What food is traditionally prepared during Pongal?
The Pongal dish is the most important food prepared. It is made using rice, milk, and jaggery. Sometimes savory Pongal is also prepared. The dish is cooked in clay pots. Cooking it outdoors has cultural importance.
How do people decorate their homes during Pongal?
Homes are cleaned and decorated before Pongal. Kolam designs are drawn at entrances. These designs are made using rice flour. They symbolize welcome and positivity. Decorations add festive beauty to homes.
Why is Pongal important in Tamil culture?
Pongal reflects the agricultural roots of Tamil culture. It teaches gratitude toward nature and farmers. The festival strengthens family and community bonds. It preserves traditional practices and values. Pongal remains a symbol of prosperity and harmony.
