Pongal 2024 Date: History, Rituals, Celebration, Facts, Holidays Pongal Wishes And Quotes

Pongal is a cheerful and colourful festival celebrated in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu. It marks the harvest season, and people come together to express gratitude for the bountiful crops, worshipping the Sun God, and celebrating the bond with cattle. The auspicious festival lasts for four days, starting with Bhogi Pongal followed by Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Kannam Pongal. In 2024, the festivities of Pongal will begin on January 15, Tuesday and conclude on January 18, Thursday.?

On this day, families clean their homes and discard old belongings. It's like a spring cleaning to welcome the new season. It's a time for joy and togetherness, strengthening the bonds of love and friendship. Pongal is not just a harvest festival; it's a celebration of nature, community, and the simple joys of life. It brings people closer, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Pongal is a religious holiday observed in central and south India, though it isn't officially recognised as a gazetted holiday nationwide. During the festival, colleges and schools in these regions typically close for all four days. Agricultural businesses may also observe closures. Pongal is known by various names, including Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Poki, Bihu, and Hadaga. Celebrations may vary, but common symbols include the sun, chariot, wheat grains, and sickle. While employees may take a limited number of restricted holidays, government offices and most businesses usually remain open.

Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated by the Tamil community. | Photo: Freepik

Get ready for Pongal 2024! Discover the date, delve into the history, explore the rich rituals, and join the celebrations. Uncover fascinating facts about Pongal, learn about associated holidays, and find the perfect Pongal wishes and quotes to share the festive spirit. Embrace the essence of this joyous harvest festival with our comprehensive guide to Pongal 2024.

Pongal 2024 date:

Pongal 2024 is set to be joyously celebrated from January 15 to January 18. This festival, based on the Tamil solar calendar, spans four lively days packed with colourful celebrations, traditional rituals, and cherished customs. It's a time when families come together to share happiness and gratitude. Besides the customary preparation of Pongal, a delicious dish made from newly harvested crops, people engage in various cultural activities, making it a memorable event for all.

Pongal history

People say that Pongal has been a part of our traditions for a long time, stretching back over 2,000 years. Some folks even think that back in the days of the Chola Empire, they used to observe this festival. The roots of Pongal go way back to the Sangam Period, between 200 BC and 300 AD. Originally, it started as a Dravidian harvest festival, but it's quite fascinating that you can find references to it in Sanskrit Puranas as well.

Pongal 2024: Schedule for four days of festival

What is Pongal?

The term "Pongal" is linked with rice and signifies "boiling." This day is commonly observed as a way of expressing gratitude to the Sun God for a fruitful harvest. People traditionally cook rice in milk and present it to the sun as a token of thanks before the festival begins. This ritual reflects the agricultural significance of the festival and the importance of the Sun in ensuring a good harvest.

Pongal marks the start of the sun's journey northwards which lasts for six months. It corresponds to the Indic solstice, when the sun is said to enter the tenth house of the Indian zodiac, Makara. The festival primarily honours the Sun god as a way of thanking him for a successful harvest.

The roots of Pongal can be traced back over 2,000 years. A significant part of the celebration involves cooking the first rice of the season. Additionally, Pongal is the name of a sweet dish made with rice and lentils, traditionally enjoyed on the festival day.

Pongal 2024: All you need to know about four days of Pongal

1. Bhogi Pongal (Monday, January 15, 2024)

Bhogi Pongal is the first day of the festive vibes during the four-day Pongal celebration in South India. It's a day for cleaning and discarding old items to welcome the new harvest season. Houses are tidied up and adorned with detailed kolams (rangoli), while the air carries the sweet scent of freshly prepared pongal, a delightful rice dish named after the festival. This simple yet significant tradition sets a positive tone for the joyous festivities that follow during Pongal. The crackling bonfires signify the cleansing of our surroundings, preparing us for positive changes in the coming days. The intricate kolams add a touch of tradition and artistry to the festive atmosphere, making every home unique in its celebration.

2. Thai Pongal or Surya Pongal (Tuesday, January 16, 2024)

The festival's second day is called Thai Pongal, Surya Pongal, or Makar Sankranti in different regions of India. On this day, people make 'Pongal,' a dish made of rice, lentils, milk, and jaggery, which is then offered to the Sun God. In addition to this, houses are adorned with Kolam at the entrance. This tradition is typically carried out in the morning after a refreshing bath.

3. Mattu Pongal (Wednesday, January 17, 2024)

The third day of Pongal, known as Mattu Pongal, is a joyous celebration where people honour and worship cows.?

According to legends, Lord Shiva sent his bull, Basava, to Earth with a message for mortals: take daily oil massages and baths, and eat only once a month. However, Basava misunderstood and conveyed the opposite message. As a consequence, Shiva punished Basava by sending him to Earth permanently to assist people in producing more food by ploughing fields.

On this special day, cows and oxen are given a refreshing bath, adorned with ornaments and flowers, and worshipped. They are also offered Pongal as a symbol of gratitude. Additionally, bullfights are organised as part of the festive activities. This tradition not only highlights the significance of cattle in agriculture but also adds a lively and spirited element to the festivities.

4. Kannam Pongal (Thursday, January 18, 2024)

The last day of the Pongal festival is known as Kaanum Pongal or Kanya Pongal. People celebrate by placing leftover food on a clean turmeric leaf, along with sugarcane and betel leaves. Women engage in a ritual to pray for the well-being and success of their brothers.

Adding some cultural context, Kaanum Pongal marks a day of family bonding and expressing love and good wishes for siblings. The tradition of using turmeric leaves reflects the cultural significance of natural elements in festivities. It's a simple yet meaningful way of cherishing relationships and invoking blessings for prosperity.

Pongal 2024: Bank Holidays

On Monday, January 15, 2024, several states, including Karnataka, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Sikkim, and Assam, will observe a bank closure in honour of various festivals such as Uttarayana Punyakala, Mahara Sankranti Festival, Maghe Sankranti, Pongal, and Magh Bihu. This holiday presents an extended weekend for these states, as January 13 is already a bank holiday due to being the second Saturday. The customary Sunday holiday will follow this event.

What is Pongal called in different states?

Here are some interesting facts about Pongal:

• Pongal is a most popular and auspicious South Indian festival primarily celebrated in Tamil Nadu, marking the harvest season with great enthusiasm.
• The festival is celebrated over four days, each with its own significance - Bhogi Pongal, Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal.
• The celebration signifies the Sun moving into Capricorn, called Makar Sankranti in Sanskrit.?
• In Tamil, 'Pongal' means "to boil," and this festival is observed as a gratitude event for the harvest of the year. It's a time to express thanks for the crops and rejoice in the warmth of the sun.
• A special dish Pongal associated with the festival name, is prepared during the festival. It's made with newly harvested rice, lentils, jaggery, and milk, creating a sweet and flavorful treat.
• Thai Pongal is dedicated to the Sun God, expressing gratitude for the agricultural abundance and seeking blessings for future harvests.
• A central ritual involves boiling the Pongal dish in a clay pot until it overflows, symbolising prosperity and abundance.
• Mattu Pongal is dedicated to honouring cattle, particularly cows, as they play a vital role in agriculture. They are decorated and revered on this day.
• Bhogi Pongal starts with a tradition of cleaning and discarding old items, symbolising the removal of negativity and embracing a fresh start.
• Homes are adorned with vibrant kolams (rangoli) during Pongal, adding a splash of colour to the surroundings.
• Kaanum Pongal, the final day, is a time for families to come together, share meals, and strengthen their bonds of love and unity.
• While Pongal is primarily celebrated in Tamil Nadu, similar harvest festivals with regional variations are observed in other states, such as Makar Sankranti in various parts of India.

Best Pongal wishes, messages, and quotes to send loved ones

Experience the joy of Pongal with our best collection of heartfelt wishes, messages, and quotes. Celebrate the harvest season with warm greetings that convey prosperity, happiness, and the spirit of togetherness. Explore our curated Pongal wishes to share the essence of this festive occasion with your loved ones. Harvest blessings and good vibes as you send meaningful Pongal messages to brighten their day. Discover the perfect words to express your wishes for a year filled with abundance and success. Happy Pongal!

• Wishing you a Pongal filled with joy, prosperity, and the warmth of cherished moments. May this harvest festival bring abundant blessings to your home!
• As the Pongal pot overflows with goodness, may your life overflow with happiness and success. Happy Pongal!
• May the sweetness of jaggery and the richness of ghee fill your life with sweetness and prosperity. Happy Pongal!
• On this auspicious day, may the Sun God shower his blessings, filling your life with radiance and positivity. Happy Pongal!
• Wishing you and your family a Pongal filled with love, laughter, and the joy of togetherness. Have a blessed harvest festival!
• May the vibrancy of Pongal brighten your days and the aroma of freshly cooked Pongal fill your home with delight. Happy festivities!
• As you celebrate the harvest season, may your life be harvested with good fortune, success, and endless happiness. Happy Pongal!
• Sending warm wishes on Pongal for a year ahead filled with abundance, prosperity, and the fulfilment of all your dreams.
• May the Sun's rays bring warmth and positivity into your life, just as the Pongal pot brings forth abundance. Happy Pongal!
• Wishing you a Pongal that marks the beginning of new aspirations, dreams, and opportunities. May this festival usher in a year of growth and prosperity!
• May the harvest season fill your life with the fragrance of joy and the colours of success. Happy Pongal to you and your loved ones!
• On this joyous occasion, may the blessings of the season light up your life, bringing happiness and prosperity. Happy Pongal!
• As you celebrate the bounty of the harvest, may your heart be filled with gratitude and your home with love. Happy Pongal!
• Wishing you a Pongal filled with moments of laughter, abundance, and the warmth of cherished friendships. Have a joyful celebration!
• May the festivities of Pongal bring peace, prosperity, and good health to you and your family. Happy Pongal!

Pongal FAQs:

Q. When is Pongal 2024?

In 2024, the four-day festival of Pongal will begin on January 15 and end on January 18.

Q. How is Pongal Celebrated?

Pongal is celebrated with a series of rituals, including the boiling of the Pongal dish, decorating homes with kolams, and engaging in traditional music and dance. The festivities involve expressing gratitude for the harvest and seeking blessings for prosperity.

Q. What are the Traditional Pongal Recipes?

Key Pongal recipes include Sakkarai Pongal, a sweet dish made with rice and jaggery, and Ven Pongal, a savoury version with rice and lentils. These dishes hold cultural significance and are shared with family and friends during the festival.

Pongal is a four-day festival, with each day dedicated to specific rituals and celebrations. The festival typically begins on the 14th or 15th of January, coinciding with the auspicious movement of the Sun into the Capricorn zodiac.

Q. Is Pongal Only Celebrated in South India?

While Pongal has deep roots in South India, it is also celebrated in other parts of the country under different names, such as Makara Sankranti. The festival signifies the harvest season and is embraced by diverse communities across India.

The Pongal pot, known as 'Pongal Panai,' is central to the festival's rituals. Boiling the first rice of the harvest in this pot symbolizes abundance and prosperity. The overflowing of the pot represents blessings and good fortune.

Q. How Can I Celebrate an Eco-Friendly Pongal?

Embrace eco-friendly practices during Pongal by using organic materials for decorations, opting for sustainable cooking methods, and promoting responsible waste disposal. Small steps contribute to a greener celebration.

(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)

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