பொங்கல் திருநாள் 2026 | Pongal 2026
Tamil Nadu's Harvest Festival - January 13-16, 2026
போகி பொங்கல்
Burning old items, welcoming the new
பழைய பொருட்களை எரித்தல், புதியவற்றை வரவேற்றல்
தைப் பொங்கல்
Main day - Sun worship, cooking Pongal
முக்கிய நாள் - சூரிய வழிபாடு, பொங்கல் சமைத்தல்
மாட்டுப் பொங்கல்
Cattle worship, Jallikattu
மாடுகளை வணங்குதல், ஜல்லிக்கட்டு
காணும் பொங்கல்
Family gatherings, outings
குடும்ப கூட்டங்கள், சுற்றுலா
🔥 Day 1: Bhogi Pongal (போகி)
On Bhogi, old and unused items are burned in a bonfire called "Bhogi Mantalu". This symbolizes discarding the old and welcoming the new. Houses are cleaned and decorated with kolam (rangoli) using rice flour.
☀️ Day 2: Thai Pongal (தைப் பொங்கல்)
The main festival day! Fresh rice is cooked with milk in a clay pot until it overflows (symbolizing abundance). This is done facing the Sun while chanting "Pongalo Pongal!" Women draw kolam, and families gather for the feast.
🐂 Day 3: Mattu Pongal (மாட்டுப் பொங்கல்)
Dedicated to cattle who help farmers. Cows and bulls are bathed, decorated with colorful beads, bells, and flowers. Jallikattu (bull-taming sport) is held in villages. Cattle are fed Pongal as a blessing.
👨👩👧👦 Day 4: Kaanum Pongal (காணும் பொங்கல்)
Also called "Kanu" or "Thiruvalluvar Day". Families visit relatives, go on outings to beaches and parks. Sisters pray for their brothers' welfare. Leftover Pongal is placed on turmeric leaves for birds.
About Pongal (பொங்கல் திருநாள்)
Pongal is Tamil Nadu's most important harvest festival, celebrated during the Tamil month of Thai (mid-January). The word "Pongal" means "overflowing" - symbolizing abundance and prosperity.
Key Elements of Pongal:
- Pongal Dish - Sweet rice cooked with jaggery, milk, and ghee
- Kolam - Traditional floor art using rice flour
- Sugarcane - Symbol of sweetness and prosperity
- Turmeric Plant - Tied around the Pongal pot for auspiciousness
Frequently Asked Questions
பொங்கல் ஏன் நான்கு நாட்கள் கொண்டாடப்படுகிறது?
ஒவ்வொரு நாளும் ஒரு குறிப்பிட்ட அர்த்தத்தைக் கொண்டது: போகி - பழையவற்றை அகற்றுதல், தைப்பொங்கல் - சூரிய வழிபாடு மற்றும் அறுவடை நன்றி, மாட்டுப்பொங்கல் - கால்நடைகளுக்கு நன்றி, காணும் பொங்கல் - குடும்ப ஒற்றுமை.
Why is Pongal celebrated for 4 days?
Each day has a specific significance: Bhogi represents discarding the old, Thai Pongal is for Sun worship and harvest thanksgiving, Mattu Pongal honors cattle, and Kaanum Pongal celebrates family bonds. Together they celebrate agriculture, nature, and community.
What is the significance of the Pongal dish?
The Pongal dish (sweet rice with jaggery and milk) represents prosperity. The overflowing of the pot symbolizes abundance. It's first offered to the Sun God, then to cattle, and finally shared among family. The overflowing is considered extremely auspicious.
Is Pongal same as Makar Sankranti?
Both festivals mark the Sun's transition into Makara Rashi (Capricorn) and the end of the winter solstice. While Makar Sankranti is celebrated across India, Pongal is specifically Tamil Nadu's harvest festival with unique traditions like cooking Pongal and Jallikattu.