Pongal 2025: Know the dates, time, origin, significance, and rituals of the four-day harvest festival

The festival marks the end of the winter solstice and is an indicator of the end of short days and long nights to make way for longer days; here’s all you need to know.

Pongal 2025: Date and Timings

Pongal is annually observed in January, which is the Tai month of the Tamil solar calendar, and is dedicated to the Sun God.

It celebrates the beginning of Uttarayan and the transition of the sun into the Capricorn zodiac, which marks the end of winter and the onset of the harvest season.

This year, the Pongal festivities will begin on January 14, 2025, i.e., Tuesday, and end on January 17, 2025, i.e., Friday, with the Thai Pongal Sankranti Moment at 10:33 PM on January 13, according to the Drik Panchang.

The below schedule provides the dates and auspicious timings of Pongal 2025.

• Bhogi Pongal: January 14, 2025; Tuesday
• Surya Pongal: January 15, 2025; Wednesday
• Mattu Pongal: January 16, 2025; Thursday
• Kanum Pongal: January 17, 2025; Friday

Pongal 2025: Significance and Rituals

The significance behind Pongal is offering gratitude to the Sun God Surya, the farm animals, and those who work and are involved in agriculture.

It has historical relevance in Tamil texts and also appears in inscriptions from the Chola period.

The Pongal festival is celebrated for 4 days. It starts with Bhogi Pongal, which marks the burning of negativity and new beginnings.

It involves lit bonfires, cleaning homes, and preparing a special dish with rice, jaggery, and milk.

The following day, known as Surya or Thai Pongal, is the most significant day of the festival, dedicated to the Sun God Surya, offering prayers at sunrise and preparing a sweet dish.

On the third day of Mattu Pongal, people honour cattle, adorned with beads and bells, and celebrate farmers who work tirelessly.

Finally, Kannam Pongal is dedicated to family and togetherness, with visits to relatives, gift exchanges, and traditional games and dances.