Pongal 2026: Dates, Rituals, and Significance of the Four-Day Harvest Festival

• Pongal 2026 is a four-day harvest festival celebrated from January 14 to 17, coinciding with Makar Sankranti.
• The festival honors nature, the Sun God (Surya), farmers, and cows for a bountiful harvest, emphasizing thankfulness and community.
• Key dates include Bhogi Pongal (Jan 13), Thai Pongal (Jan 14), Mattu Pongal (Jan 15), and Kaanum Pongal (Jan 16).
• Thai Pongal, on January 14, marks the Sun's entry into Capricorn, with the auspicious Sankranti moment around 3:13 PM IST.
• Rituals range from cleaning homes and bonfires on Bhogi to offering freshly cooked Pongal to Surya, honoring cattle, and family gatherings.

Why It Matters: Pongal 2026 celebrates harvest, nature, and community from January 14-17, with key rituals and auspicious timings.