Everything You Need to Know about Pongal 2025 (when, why etc.)

Pongal is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu. It is a multi-day festival that typically takes place in January, marking the beginning of the harvest season. Pongal is a harvest festival that expresses gratitude to the Sun, nature, and farm animals for a bountiful harvest.

When is Pongal Celebrated?

Pongal usually falls between January 13 and January 16 every year. The festival is celebrated according to the Tamil solar calendar, which places the event on the first day of the Tamil month of Thai (mid-January). The festival lasts for four days, each with its unique significance.

Significance of Pongal

The festival is a way for people to show gratitude for the agricultural abundance and nature’s gifts. It is dedicated to honoring the Sun God (Surya), the Earth, the rain, and cattle, which play an essential role in the cultivation process.

Four Days of Pongal

Pongal is a four-day celebration, with each day having its specific rituals and significance:

  1. Bhogi Pongal (Day 1): This day marks the start of the festival. People discard old, unused items and celebrate new beginnings by lighting bonfires. It’s a day to clean homes and prepare for the festival.
  2. Surya Pongal (Day 2): This is the main day of Pongal and is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. People prepare the special dish “Pongal” (a sweet or savory dish made with rice, lentils, and jaggery) and offer it to Surya as a symbol of gratitude.
  3. Mattu Pongal (Day 3): The third day is dedicated to honoring cattle, especially cows and bulls, which are vital for farming. Cattle are bathed, decorated with colorful garlands, and given special treats like Pongal. They are worshipped and paraded through the streets.
  4. Kaanum Pongal (Day 4): The final day of the festival is a day for socializing and visiting friends and relatives. It is also a day of charity, where people give food and gifts to those in need.

Rituals and Customs

Throughout the festival, there are various customs that are followed:

  • Pongal Dish: The most important custom during Pongal is preparing and offering the Pongal dish, which symbolizes prosperity. The dish is made by boiling newly harvested rice with milk and jaggery. It is usually prepared in an open area in front of the house or in the field.
  • Kolam: Kolam (Rangoli) is an art form of drawing patterns with rice flour or colored powders in front of homes. It is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
  • Feasting: The festival is a time for feasting. Families come together to share meals, including a variety of special dishes prepared for the occasion.
  • Poojas (Prayers): Various poojas (prayers) are performed to honor the Sun God, cattle, and the Earth. People also offer prayers to their ancestors.
  • Wearing Traditional Clothes: People wear new clothes, typically in vibrant colors, to mark the festive occasion. Women often wear silk sarees, and men wear veshtis or dhotis.

Traditional Pongal Decorations

The celebration of Pongal is also marked by beautiful decorations. Some of the key elements include:

  • Golu: Golu is a display of traditional dolls and figurines arranged in steps. It is particularly popular in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
  • Pongal Pot: A significant part of the ritual involves cooking rice in a clay pot. The pot is decorated and placed on an open fire to boil over, symbolizing abundance.

Importance of Cattle During Pongal

One of the key elements of the Pongal festival is honoring the cattle, which are essential to farming in rural India. On Mattu Pongal, cows and bulls are decorated with garlands, and their horns are often painted in bright colors. Special poojas are performed for them, and they are given treats such as Pongal rice and sugarcane.

Pongal in Different Regions

While Pongal is most closely associated with Tamil Nadu, it is also celebrated in other regions of India and around the world:

  • Other States in India: The festival is celebrated under different names in various states. For example, it is called Makar Sankranti in Gujarat, Uttarayan in Rajasthan, and Lohri in Punjab.
  • International Celebrations: Pongal is also celebrated by Tamil communities abroad, particularly in countries like Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and Mauritius. The celebrations might vary slightly depending on the country, but the core rituals remain the same.

Conclusion

Pongal is more than just a harvest festival; it is a celebration of life, nature, and community. It brings families and friends together and allows people to give thanks for the blessings they have received. The vibrant celebrations, delicious food, and meaningful rituals make Pongal one of the most loved and cherished festivals in South India and beyond.