Pongal is a vibrant harvest festival celebrated primarily in Tamil regions and their neighbouring areas. This festival marks the season of harvest and is observed with great enthusiasm and reverence for four days. Each day of Pongal has its own unique rituals and significance.
When is Pongal in 2025?
In 2025, Pongal will begin on Thursday, January 14 and conclude on January 17. The festival aligns with the Tamil solar calendar and starts on the first day of the Tamil month of Thai. Pongal often coincides with Makar Sankranti in North India, Lohri in Punjab, and Uttarayan in Gujarat.
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Here are the dates for the four days of Pongal in 2025:
Bhogi Pongal: Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Thai Pongal: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Mattu Pongal: Thursday, January 16, 2025
Kaanum Pongal: Friday, January 17, 2025
Bhogi Pongal
The first day is dedicated to discarding old belongings, symbolising a fresh start. People light bonfires to burn old items, marking the end of negativity.
Thai Pongal
This is the main day of the festival, where the traditional dish, Pongal (a sweet rice dish), is prepared and offered to the Sun God. Families come together to express gratitude for a bountiful harvest.
Mattu Pongal
On this day, farmers honour their cattle, recognising their role in agriculture. Cattle are adorned with garlands, and rituals are performed to thank them for their hard work.
Kaanum Pongal
The final day is about social gatherings and spending time with family and friends. People visit relatives, enjoy festive meals, and strengthen their bonds.
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Pongal is steeped in mythology. One popular tale narrates that Lord Shiva once sent his bull, Basava, to Earth with a message. However, Basava misunderstood the instructions, leading Lord Shiva to curse him to remain on Earth and assist humans in farming. This story highlights the role of cattle in agriculture, which is celebrated during Mattu Pongal.
The festival also involves worshipping the Sun God and Lord Indra, acknowledging their crucial roles in providing sunlight and rainfall for a successful harvest.
Pongal holds special importance for unmarried girls and women, as they perform rituals for prosperity and good harvests. During the festive season, they:
Avoid oiling their hair.
Refrain from consuming dairy products.
Take ceremonial baths early in the morning.
