As the harvest season announces a ‘wrap’ in most parts of India, including Tamil Nadu, it gently brings a call to celebration. To celebrate the bygone harvest season and to express gratitude to the harvest, many communities across India have been celebrating special occasions and festivals. Tamil Nadu’s Pongal is one of them and is celebrated for four days. The Tamilnadu Pongal festival will take place from 13 to 16 January, 2026, promising four days of joyful celebration, spiritual reflection, and community bonding.
Tamilnadu Pongal: How It Is Celebrated, Rituals Involved, And More Information
What Is Pongal Festival?
Pongal is one of the most celebrated festivals in India, particularly popular in South India in the state of Tamil Nadu. The festival traces its origins back to the ancient Sangam Age of Tamil Nadu, so it can be said that it is one of the oldest festivals celebrated in India.
The festival is celebrated in honor of the harvest season, with festivities taking place over the course of four days. Each of the four days has immense significance and festivities associated with that day.
Pongal symbolizes hope and renewal and highlights the importance of gratitude towards nature. The festival, with its four-day festivities, often coincides with other Indian festivals like Makar Sankranti and Magh Bihu.
When Is Pongal Celebrated In Tamil Nadu: The 4 Days Of Celebrations
Day 1: Bhogi Pandigai
January 13, 2026
Bhogi Pandigai or Bhogi Pongal is celebrated a day before Thai Pongal. Dedicated to cleaning and purification, the day is when people clean their homes and get rid of old, broken items. The day is dedicated to Lord Indra, the god of rain and thunder as people express their gratitude to him for rain and agricultural prosperity.
Day 2: Thai Pongal
January 14, 2026
Day 2 of the Pongal holidays in Tamilnadu is often considered to be the main day of the festival. Called ‘Thai Pongal’, it is dedicated to the Sun God Surya. On this day, families come together to cook the traditional ‘pongal’ dish. It is made by combining freshly harvested rice, milk, and jaggery in a large clay pot until it boils and overflows.
This act of overflowing is considered to be of great significance, as it symbolizes prosperity and abundance. As pongal overflows, families joyfully shout “pongalo pongal”. Thai Pongal marks the start of the Tamil month of Thai and is considered particularly auspicious for new beginnings, weddings, and celebrations.
Day 3: Mattu Pongal
January 15, 2026
Mattu Pongal is the third day when families bathe their cattle and decorate them with flowers, tassels, and vibrant fabrics. Farmers express gratitude to their cattle, the main agents of a successful harvest. In some regions in the state, a special tradition called ‘Jallikattu’ is observed. This is a famous and ancient bull-taming ritual that is still popular and attracts a large crowd.
Day 4: Kaanum Pongal
January 16, 2026
Kaanum Pongal, the last day of the festival, is a day of relaxation and social bonding. On this day, families relax and engage in slow, peaceful family time. In fact, the word ‘Kaanum’ translates to ‘to visit’ or ‘to behold’.
Tamilnadu Pongal: Best Places To Visit To Experience Pongal
Chennai
Tamil Nadu’s capital city offers a mix of both modern and traditional Pongal celebrations. The city, with its ancient heritage still preserved, is a great place to experience Pongal as an outsider. From homes decorated with flowers and adorned with kollam decorations in their front yards, the city comes alive with the festive spirit of Pongal. Many local cultural organizations organize cultural performances like music and classical dance events on this day.
Nearest airport: Chennai International Airport
Thanjavur
Thanjavur or Tanjore is one of the most culturally rich cities in Tamil Nadu. This coastal town, with its shared Maratha-Tamil culture, has been an important cultural and political center. With plenty of temples, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Brihadeeswara Temple, the city thrives during Pongal celebrations. Reach the city a few days before Pongal, soak in the preparations of the festival, and then witness Thanjavur’s Pongal through your own eyes!
Nearest airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (62 km)
Madurai
Madurai is fondly known as the ‘city of temples’ and is an important spiritual center in Tamil Nadu. It is home to the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple and plenty of other big and small temples. Madurai also hosts the famous ‘Jallikattu’ sport, so if you’re keen on experiencing this ritual first-hand, you must visit Madurai.
Nearest airport: Madurai International Airport (12 km)
Summing Up
Pongal is a festival of renewal, hope, and gratitude. The festival marks the end of the harvest season and celebrates the beginning of the Tamil month of Thai.
Celebrated over four days, you’ll get the best Pongal experience in Chennai, Madurai, and Thanjavur, along with many other cities and towns like Tiruchirapalli, Kanyakumari, Salem, and Coimbatore.
