Pongal 2025 in India

Pongal is a prominent harvest festival celebrated annually in Tamil Nadu, usually in January or February. Spanning four days, it not only celebrates the harvest but also marks the beginning of the Tamil month Thai, an auspicious time. The festival features vibrant traditions like dancing, bull-taming contests, and gift exchanges. It falls around January 14th or 15th each year and is a time for family gatherings, honoring the Sun God, and paying tribute to cattle, which are integral to farming life.

Festival Events

On the first day, people discard old household items and purchase new ones, symbolizing a fresh start. A traditional bonfire made from cow dung cakes and wood is set alight, representing the removal of old and unwanted possessions. In some states in southern India, the first day of the four-day Pongal festival is called Bhogi. Northern states of India have a celebration identical to Bhogi called Lohri festival.

The second day, the most important of the festival, is dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun God. Devotees offer prayers, along with sugarcane, bananas, and coconuts. A special ritual involves boiling rice and milk in an earthen pot tied with a turmeric plant, which is then offered to the Sun. People also wear new clothes, decorate their homes with red clay and rice flour, and prepare and feast on the traditional Pongal dish—a sweet rice mixture.

The third day honors cows, which are considered sacred in India and vital for a successful harvest. Cattle are adorned with garlands, flowers, and bells and are worshipped for their role in agriculture. Cows are bathed and decorated, highlighting their importance in the farming community.

On the fourth and final day, women prepare offerings of leftover food on turmeric leaves for their brothers, wishing them prosperity. The day is marked by family picnics and traditional folk dances such as mayilattam and kolattam. This marks a joyful and communal end to the celebrations.

History

Pongal has deep historical roots, with its origins tracing back to the 9th-13th century). Over time, Pongal grew into a prominent agricultural celebration, symbolizing gratitude to the sun god, nature, and livestock for ensuring a good harvest.