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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 2025 will commence from 14 January till 17 January.
Pongal 2025 – Date
Pongal is a grand festival celebrated for four consecutive days from 14 January to 17 January 2025. 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, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Thai Pongal | January 15, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Mattu Pongal | January 16, 2025 | Thursday |
| Kaanum Pongal | January 17, 2025 | Friday |
Pongal is dedicated to the Hindu God of Sun which matches with the harvest festival, Makar Sankranti.
Pongal 2025 – History
1: Who was the first woman President of India?
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.
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Pongal 2025 – 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.
Pongal 2025 Quiz
- What is the primary purpose of celebrating Pongal?
Answer: To honor the God of Sun and the elements of nature for supporting agriculture.
- What is the date range for the 2025 Pongal festival?
Answer: 14 January to 17 January.
- What is the significance of Bhogi Pongal?
Answer: Lighting bonfires and burning discarded items as part of the celebration.
- Which day of Pongal is dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God)?
Answer: Thai Pongal (the second day).
- What is Mattu Pongal specifically dedicated to?
Answer: Cattle, especially cows and bulls.
- Which of the following is NOT a traditional food item prepared during Pongal celebrations?
Answer: Dosa.
- Why is Lord Krishna associated with Pongal in some legends?
Answer: He instructed the people to stop worshipping Lord Indra and protected them by lifting Mount Govardhan.
- What does the term ‘Mattu’ in Mattu Pongal refer to?
Answer: Cattle, especially cows and bulls.
- Which of the following is NOT typically done on the day of Surya Pongal?
Answer: People bathe and decorate cattle.
- What is the main theme of Kanum Pongal?
Answer: Strengthening bonds and socializing with family and friends.
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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Pongal 2025 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 2025!
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!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is Pongal?
Ans: Pongal is a major Hindu festival celebrated primarily by the Tamil community, marking the harvest season and expressing gratitude towards the Sun God and nature’s elements. It is observed as a four-day celebration.
Q2. What is the significance of Bhogi Pongal?
Ans: Bhogi Pongal marks the last day of the Tamil month Marghazi and is celebrated by lighting bonfires and discarding unwanted household items. It symbolizes a fresh start and letting go of the past.
Q3. How is Pongal celebrated in Tamil Nadu?
Ans: In Tamil Nadu, Pongal is celebrated with colourful kolams (rangoli), traditional music, and cultural events like the bull-taming contest, Jallikattu. Madurai is a hotspot for Pongal festivities.
