Pongal 2025 date: When is Pongal? Know all about four-day harvest festival

Pongal is one of the most important festivals in Tamil Nadu, celebrated by the Tamil community to honour the Sun, Mother Nature, and the farm animals that help in harvesting. This vibrant festival is celebrated over four days and is a time for families to come together, express gratitude, and enjoy special customs and rituals. In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about Pongal 2025, including the Pongal 2025 date, its history, and the significance of each of the four festival days.

When is Pongal 2025?

The Pongal 2025 date will fall on January 14, 2025 (Tuesday), and will continue for four days, ending on January 17, 2025 (Friday). Pongal dates mark the beginning of the Tamil month of Thai, which is considered an auspicious month. This festival typically falls around the same time as other harvest festivals like Makar Sankranti in North India and Lohri in Punjab.

Pongal 2025 History and Significance

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Pongal history traces its roots back to ancient times, with references to the festival found in inscriptions and Tamil texts. It is a celebration that acknowledges the Sun God, Surya, and the forces of nature for helping produce the harvest. The festival is mentioned in inscriptions dating back to the Chola dynasty, where it was celebrated as a ritual of thanksgiving. The word "Pongal" comes from the Tamil term "pongu," meaning "to boil over," referring to the sweet rice dish prepared during the festival.

In earlier times, the festival was also associated with community gatherings, where families would offer prayers and share meals in gratitude for a successful harvest season.

Pongal 2025: The Four-Day Festival

Pongal is celebrated over four days, each with its own unique significance and traditions. Let's take a look at what each day represents:

Day 1: Bhogi 每 Cleansing and New Beginnings

Bhogi marks the first day of the Pongal 2025 harvest festival, and it＊s all about new beginnings. On this day, people clean their homes, discard old belongings, and celebrate the arrival of new possessions. Bonfires are lit to burn old items, symbolising the removal of negativity. Homes are decorated, and prayers are offered to Lord Indra, seeking good rains for the coming year. Bhogi celebrations also involve family gatherings, with sweets and fruits distributed to children.

In 2025, Bhogi Pongal will be celebrated on January 14, Tuesday.

Day 2: Surya Pongal (Thai Pongal) 每 Honouring the Sun God

Surya Pongal, or Thai Pongal, is the second and most important day of the festival. This day is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and marks the start of the Tamil month of Thai. It also coincides with Makar Sankranti in other parts of India. The highlight of this day is the preparation of the Pongal dish 〞 a mixture of boiled sweet rice. The dish is cooked in an earthen pot, often decorated with flowers, and placed in the sun with sugarcane stalks. The moment the rice boils over, people shout "Pongalo Pongal," symbolising abundance and prosperity.

In 2025, Thai Pongal will be celebrated on January 15, Wednesday.

Day 3: Mattu Pongal 每 Celebrating Cattle

Mattu Pongal is dedicated to celebrating the animals that play a crucial role in farming, especially cattle. Cows and bulls are bathed, adorned with flowers, and taken for processions. They are also fed sweets and fruits, and people show their gratitude for their help in farming. In some regions, this day is also marked by traditional events like Jallikattu, a bull-taming sport.

In 2025, Mattu Pongal will be celebrated on January 16, Thursday.

Day 4: Kanum Pongal 每 Family Reunions and Social Celebrations

The final day of the festival is Kanum Pongal, a day for family reunions and social gatherings. On this day, families visit their elders, exchange gifts, and seek blessings. The day also includes community events, such as sports and games, and a feast with traditional dishes and sugarcane.

In 2025, Kanum Pongal will be celebrated on January 17, Friday.

Pongal holiday

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Banks, schools, colleges and government institutions are observing holidays in Tamil Nadu on January 14 for Pongal celebrations.

Best places to celebrate Pongal 2025 in Tamil Nadu

Pongal is a joyful harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu, where people express gratitude to nature, especially the Sun God, for a good harvest. The festival, filled with rituals, feasts, and cultural events, is an ideal time to experience the rich traditions of Tamil Nadu. Whether you're in a busy city or a peaceful village, the warmth and joy of Pongal are everywhere. If you're planning to join the celebrations with loved ones, here are eight great places to fully enjoy the festivities.

Chennai

Chennai, the capital city, blends traditional and modern Pongal celebrations. You'll see beautiful kolams (rangoli) outside homes and experience the making of delicious Pongal dishes. Don't miss visiting cultural centres like the Kalakshetra Foundation, where classical dance and music performances bring out the essence of Tamil culture during the festival.

Kanyakumari

Pongal in Kanyakumari is extra special with the beauty of the sea and the region＊s cultural diversity. Locals decorate homes, prepare feasts, and hold cultural events. If you have extra time, visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, or go on a trek to Marunthuvazh Malai, the highest hill in the area. From the top, you'll see the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Sea.

Tiruchirappalli (Trichy)

In Trichy, Pongal is marked by temple rituals and community feasts. The Rockfort Temple and Srirangam Temple hold special prayers to celebrate the festival, making the experience even more special.

Thanjavur

Thanjavur is one of India's most culturally rich towns, making it an excellent place to celebrate Pongal. Known for the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town offers traditional music, dance, and an insight into Tamil Nadu's agricultural history.

Salem

For a traditional Pongal experience, Salem is an ideal choice. The town celebrates with local games, bullock cart races, and cultural performances. Join in as locals prepare Pongal dishes over open fires and enjoy the warm hospitality of rural Tamil Nadu.

Theni

Theni offers a unique setting for Pongal celebrations. Set in the heart of nature, this town celebrates the festival with traditional rituals, cooking Pongal in clay pots, and lively kolam competitions. The serene landscapes further enhance the festival's joy.

Coimbatore

In Coimbatore, Pongal is celebrated with family gatherings, community events, and temple rituals. It's the perfect place to try traditional dishes like sakkarai pongal and enjoy rural games and activities.

Madurai

Known as the city of temples, Madurai celebrates Pongal in a grand manner. At the Meenakshi Amman Temple, you can witness elaborate rituals and ceremonies. The city also hosts exciting traditional games like jallikattu (bull-taming), which adds thrill to the festivities.

These destinations offer a perfect blend of tradition, culture, and nature, making them wonderful places to celebrate Pongal 2025.