Pongal

Also known as Tai Pongal, Thai Pongal, Poṅkal

multi-day annual harvest Tamils festival in South India and Sri Lanka various region

Key facts

Observed by: Primarily Tamil Hindus in India , Sri Lanka , Malaysia , United States , Indonesia , Mauritius , Singapore , UK , South Africa , Canada , Australia , Gulf countries
Type: Hindu
Significance: Harvest festival , Winter Solstice . Worship of the Solar deity for agricultural abundance, and celebration of cattle.
Celebrations: Preparation of Pongal , decorations, home coming, prayers, processions, gift giving
Date: Last day of the ninth Tamil calendar month of Margazhi ( Bhogi ) , First day of the tenth month of Thai (Thai Pongal) and next one or two days ( Mattu Pongal and Kaanum Pongal)
2025 date: 13-16 January
Frequency: Annual
Related to: Makar Sankranti , Magh Bihu , Uttarayana , Maghi , Maghe Sankranti , Shakrain

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Wikidata facts

Duration: 4
Image: Pongal.jpg

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Commons category: Pongal

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Article

Pongal is a multi-day Hindu harvest festival celebrated by Tamils. The festival is celebrated over three or four consecutive days, which are named Bhogi, Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Kaanum Pongal, beginning on the last day of the Tamil calendar month of Margazhi. Thai Pongal is observed on the first day of the Tamil calendar month of Thai and usually falls on 14 or 15 January in the Gregorian calendar.

According to tradition, the festival marks the end of winter solstice, and the start of the Sun's six-month-long journey northwards called Uttarayana when the Sun enters Capricorn. It is dedicated to the solar deity Surya and corresponds to Makar Sankranti, the Hindu observance celebrated under various regional names across the Indian subcontinent.