Pongal 2026: Unveiling Tamil Nadu's Four-Day Harvest Festival & Its Deep Significance

• Pongal, a four-day Tamil harvest festival, symbolizes abundance and prosperity, coinciding with Makar Sankranti.
• Bhogi Pongal (Jan 14) involves cleaning homes, discarding old items, and lighting bonfires for renewal.
• Thai Pongal (Jan 15) is dedicated to the Sun God, with traditional Pongal dish cooked to overflow, signifying prosperity.
• Mattu Pongal (Jan 16) honors cattle, vital for agriculture, with special care and traditional games like Jallikattu.
• Kaanum Pongal (Jan 17) focuses on family visits, gift exchanges, and community bonding, marking new beginnings.

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