Bhogi Pongal 2026: 4-Day Festival Begins Today, Know Rituals and Significance

• Bhogi Pongal marks the first day of the four-day Pongal festival, celebrated grandly in South India and by the Tamil community worldwide.
• The festival's core objective is to discard old items, clean homes, and light bonfires to remove negativity and usher in prosperity.
• Dedicated to Lord Indra, Bhogi Pongal is celebrated on January 13th, a day before Makar Sankranti, across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
• Key rituals include decorating homes with Kolams, marigold flowers, and mango leaves, and arranging 'Bommalu Koluvu' with dolls.
• Special dishes with new rice, sugarcane, and turmeric are prepared, agricultural tools are worshipped, and 'Regi Pallu' is showered on children for blessings.

Why It Matters: Bhogi Pongal signifies new beginnings, discarding the old, and celebrating prosperity with traditional rituals and community spirit.