Pongal, one of the most significant Hindu festivals in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, is celebrated with great reverence and joy. This four-day celebration of the harvest season honors the Sun God for providing the warmth and energy essential for agricultural prosperity.

During the festival, families come together to celebrate their shared agricultural roots, with homes adorned with rangoli (colorful patterns). Additionally, the traditional Pongal dish, made from newly harvested rice, is offered to the Sun God.

When is Pongal in 2025?

According to the Tamil solar calendar, Thai Pongal marks the first day of the month of Thai. The festival typically coincides with Makar Sankranti in North India, Lohri in Punjab, and Uttarayan in Gujarat. In 2025, Pongal will begin on January 14 (Tuesday) and continue for four days, concluding on January 17 (Friday).

Story Behind Pongal

One of the most well-known stories associated with Pongal is that of Lord Krishna in Gokula. Lord Indra, the God of Rain, flooded Gokula in a fit of rage. To save the villagers, Lord Krishna lifted the enormous Govardhana Mountain on his little finger. In the end, Lord Indra sought forgiveness and restored prosperity to the people of Gokula.

Another tale involves Nandi, the famous bull of Lord Shiva. Once, the deity instructed Nandi to go to Earth and preach that people should eat only once a month and bathe every day. However, Nandi did the opposite, spreading the message that humans should eat every day and bathe only once a month. This infuriated Lord Shiva, who ordered Nandi to remain on Earth and assist humans in harvesting enough food to sustain them daily.

4 Day Celebrations of Pongal 2025

Pongal is a four-day festival. It starts with Bhogi Pongal and ends with Kaanum Pongal. Here are the important days for Pongal 2025:

• Bhogi Pongal: The first day, January 13, is called Bhogi Pongal. This day honors Lord Indra. People light bonfires in front of their homes and burn old clothes and items. They clean their houses and decorate them with 'kolams' made from rice flour and red mud. Cow dung cakes and pumpkin flowers are also used for decorations.
• Surya Pongal: The second day, January 14, is Surya Pongal. This day is for the Sun God and is also known as Makar Sankranti in other parts of India. People cook a sweet dish called 'Pongal' with rice, lentils, milk, and jaggery. They offer this to the Lord and create large images of the Sun God for worship.
• Mattu Pongal: The third day, January 15, is Mattu Pongal. This day is for the cows and oxen, which are important for farming. Cattle are bathed, decorated with ornaments and flowers, and are given the 'Pongal' dish. Bull fights are held to celebrate.
• Kaanum Pongal: The fourth day, January 16, is Kaanum Pongal or Kanya Pongal. On this day, sisters pray for the health and happiness of their brothers. People also feed cooked rice in small balls to birds and other animals.