Thai Pongal 2026: Date, Rituals & Significance of Harvest Festival with Makar Sankranti

• Thai Pongal 2026 will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 14, coinciding with Makar Sankranti, marking an auspicious harvest festival.
• The festival, deeply rooted in Tamil culture, expresses gratitude to nature, farmers, and the Sun God for a prosperous harvest.
• Key ritual involves preparing 'Pongal' (rice, milk, jaggery) outdoors at sunrise, with families chanting 'Pongalo Pongal' as milk overflows.
• The four-day festival includes Bhogi (cleansing), Mattu Pongal (worshipping cattle), and Kaanum Pongal (family gatherings).
• Thai Pongal symbolizes abundance, prosperity, new beginnings, and reinforces values of gratitude and harmony with nature.

Why It Matters: Thai Pongal 2026 celebrates gratitude, prosperity, and Tamil heritage, coinciding with Makar Sankranti.