Pongal 2026: Dates, Rituals, Significance of Tamil Nadu's Four-Day Harvest Festival

• Pongal is a four-day harvest festival in Tamil Nadu (Jan 13-17), dedicated to Surya, symbolizing abundance.
• Bhogi (Jan 13): Discard old items in bonfires (Bhogi Mantalu) for spiritual cleansing, burst crackers, draw Rangolis.
• Thai Pongal (Jan 14): Main day, Pongal dish (rice, milk, jaggery) prepared and offered to Surya & Ganesha. Sankranti at 10:43 a.m.
• Mattu Pongal (Jan 15): Worship cows/bulls, decorate them, and the infamous Jallikattu event takes place.
• Kanum Pongal (Jan 16): Family gatherings, seeking elder blessings, and traditional games like Uri Adithal.

Why It Matters: Pongal 2026 is a four-day Tamil harvest festival celebrating nature, gratitude, and prosperity.