Pongal 2025, a beloved harvest festival in Southern India, is celebrated with immense joy, especially in Tamil Nadu. In 2025, Pongal begins on January 14 and lasts for four days, ending on January 17. Each day holds its own special meaning, reflecting the festival’s deep cultural and agricultural roots.
This festival marks the beginning of the harvest season, where farmers express gratitude to nature for its blessings of a bountiful crop. Pongal also symbolizes fresh starts and the end of winter, filling hearts with happiness and optimism. Here’s everything you need to know about this vibrant and meaningful celebration.
Pongal 2025
Pongal is a major festival in South India, primarily celebrated in Tamil Nadu. Known as Makar Sankranti in other parts of India, this four-day harvest festival begins on January 14 and aligns with the solar equinox. In Tamil Nadu, it is also called Thai Pongal, and the period is associated with Uttarayanam, symbolizing the sun’s transition toward the northern hemisphere.
This vibrant celebration honors the harvest season and expresses gratitude for nature’s abundance. Over these four days, communities come together to celebrate the prosperity of the land, making it a significant and joyful event in the Tamil calendar.
Pongal 2025 Date and Time
Pongal, observed on the first day of the Tamil month of Thai, coincides with other regional harvest festivals like Makar Sankranti in Eastern India, Lohri in Punjab, and Uttarayan in Gujarat.
In 2025, Pongal celebrations will start on January 14 and conclude on January 17 (Friday), as per Drik Panchang. The recommended time for performing the puja is from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM, infusing the festivities with a spiritual touch and marking this joyous occasion with devotion and gratitude.
Pongal 2025 History and Significance
Pongal, a festival deeply rooted in Tamil heritage since the Sangam Age, is a celebration of gratitude to the Sun God (Surya) and other deities for a bountiful harvest. The name “Pongal” originates from the Tamil word pong, meaning “to overflow,” symbolizing prosperity and the happiness of farmers during harvest time.
Mentioned in ancient Tamil literature, Pongal is marked by rituals, feasts, and joyous festivities. It also ushers in the Tamil month of Thai and celebrates the Sun’s transition into Capricorn (Makara), representing new beginnings and growth. This vibrant festival fosters gratitude and togetherness among communities.
Pongal 2025 Rituals for 4 Days
Day 1: Bhogi Pongal – Monday, January 13, 2025
Bhogi Pongal marks the start of the Pongal festivities. Dedicated to Lord Indra, prayers are offered to seek his blessings for a rich and abundant harvest. On this day, homes are thoroughly cleaned, and old, unwanted items are discarded, symbolizing the removal of negativity and the embrace of fresh beginnings.
Lighting bonfires is a key ritual, representing the destruction of evil forces and the victory of good. Bhogi Pongal sets the stage for the festival, emphasizing renewal and preparation for a prosperous season.
Day 2: Surya Pongal/Thai Pongal – Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Surya Pongal, also known as Thai Pongal, is the most significant day of the celebration. Devotees honor Lord Surya (Sun God) by offering a traditional dish made of milk and jaggery as a gesture of gratitude for his life-sustaining warmth and light.
Families come together to prepare Sakkarai Pongal, exchange gifts, and enjoy meals. Vibrant cultural traditions, including rituals and feasts, reflect the spirit of harmony and togetherness, showcasing the region’s rich heritage.
Day 3: Mattu Pongal – Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Mattu Pongal is dedicated to honoring cattle for their invaluable role in agriculture. Farmers decorate their cows and bulls with garlands and vibrant ornaments, offering prayers to express gratitude. Lord Ganesha is also worshipped for his blessings to ensure a fruitful harvest. This day highlights the harmony between humans, animals, and nature, emphasizing animal welfare and environmental respect.
Day 4: Kaanum Pongal – Thursday, January 16, 2025
The festival concludes with Kaanum Pongal, a day of relaxation and bonding. Families and friends gather to share sweets, gifts, and joyous moments. Beautiful Rangoli patterns are created outside homes, symbolizing prosperity and well-being. Kaanum Pongal is a time for reflection, reinforcing the values of gratitude, community, and the celebration of life’s simple pleasures.
Pongal 2025 is a vibrant celebration of the harvest season, fostering gratitude, renewal, and the unbreakable bond between humans, nature, and community.
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| Lohri 2025 | National Youth Day 2025 |
Pongal 2025 FAQs
Q.1. What are the dates for Pongal 2025?
Ans. Pongal 2025 begins on January 14 and ends on January 17, celebrated across four days.
Q.2. What is the significance of Pongal?
Ans. Pongal marks the harvest season, expressing gratitude to the Sun God and nature for abundance while celebrating renewal and community unity.
Q.3. What rituals are performed on Bhogi Pongal?
Ans. Bhogi Pongal involves cleaning homes, discarding old items, lighting bonfires, and offering prayers to Lord Indra for a prosperous harvest.
Q.4. What is Surya Pongal known for?
Ans. Surya Pongal is dedicated to worshiping Lord Surya (Sun God) with offerings like Sakkarai Pongal, symbolizing gratitude and prosperity.
Q.5. How is Mattu Pongal celebrated?
Ans. Mattu Pongal honors cattle with decorations and prayers, highlighting their importance in agriculture and fostering respect for nature and animals.
