Pongal 2025: Date, Significance, and How It’s Celebrated

The term "Pongal" translates to "to boil" in Tamil. It also refers to the traditional sweet dish made from rice and lentils, which is a highlight of the celebrations. This delicacy embodies the essence of the festival and is prepared with much love and devotion. Explore the vibrant celebrations of Pongal 2025 across Tamil Nadu and immerse yourself in the spirit of this beautiful festival.

The four-day festival is celebrated to commemorate the Sun God to bring prosperity and a good harvest into our lives. In the beginning, i.e. The first day of Pongal in Chennai marks the beginning of Uttarayanam and the regional new year. The day is celebrated to exhibit our gratitude towards nature for blessing humans. Let’s find out about the festival in detail.

Pongal Date and Time 2025

Pongal is celebrated in January as crops like sugarcane, rice, turmeric etc. are reaped by the farmers. They worship the Sun God, i.e. the God of Light, to bring good health & wealth, peace and prosperity to our lives. Apart from this, the month of Pongal is also known as the month of weddings in South India.

History Behind Pongal

There are several beliefs and conceptions among people behind why Pongal is celebrated. Among them, one of the most popular stories is about Lord Krishna & Lord Indra. According to a legend, it is believed that one day, Lord Indra, “God of Rain” flooded the village of Gokul out of his rage. And in the process of teaching him a lesson, Lord Krishna saves the villagers by lifting the Huge Govardhan Mountain on his finger. This made Lord Indra realise his mistake and seek forgiveness. Later, the day is remarked with worshipping Lord Indra, the God of Rain.

Another belief is related to Lord Shiva. As per the story, one day, Lord Shiva asked his bull “Nandi” to visit the earth and spread the message among people to take a bath daily. However, Nandi misunderstood it and told the people to eat every day and take a bath once a month. This made Lord Shiva enraged, and he cursed and Banished Nandi and ordered him to live on earth to help humans reap a harvest so that they could have enough food to consume every day. Quite interesting, right?

What are the Four Days of Pongal 2025

People in Tamilnadu celebrate the festive day with utmost excitement and fun. Let’s take a look at what is the first day of Pongal known as and how this 4-day Pongal celebration takes place on different days. From decorating homes to dressing up nicely and preparing delicious recipes to meet loved ones, the festival is full of love & excitement. Here are the types of Pongal.

Day 1: First Day of Pongal, i.e. Bhogi Pongal

Do you know that the 1st day of Pongal is known as Bhogi Pongal? On this day, people praise Lord Indra, the God of Rain, to bless the land with rain to yield adequate crops. People clean and decorate their houses, get dressed in new clothes and dispose of their old stuff to signify a new beginning.

People on this day light a bonfire, sing and dance around it to show their love to Lord Indra. The interesting thing is that the bonfire is made from agricultural waste and unnecessary household wood. But when is Bhogi celebrated? This year in 2025, it will be celebrated on January 14, Tuesday.

Day 2: Thai Pongal/ Surya Pongal

After celebrating the first day of Pongal, this second day of the Pongal festival is celebrated as Thai Pongal or Surya Pongal, which is dedicated to Lord Sun. It is believed that the main Pongal is celebrated on this day. People take an early bath in the morning and make a traditional rangoli, known as “Kolam”, at the house's entrance. They wear traditional dresses and worship Lord Sun by offering a pot of milk & boiled rice. Along with this “Sakkararai Pongal”, various other recipes are prepared on this day.

Day 3: Mattu Pongal

The third day of Pongal is devoted to livestock, such as bulls and cows, etc., that have a vital role in agriculture. On this day, cows are adorned with garlands and bells and are worshipped by the farmers.

Day 4: Kaanum Pongal

The first day of Pongal is followed by the fourth day of Pongal, known as Kaanum, dedicated to relaxation and enjoyment. On this day, people meet their relatives & friends and exchange sweets and well-being. Rangoli is made outside the homes to attract happiness and prosperity. Also, on the occasion of this festival, sisters perform the Arti of their brothers and pray for their happiness.

Traditional Pongal Celebration:

Pongal, in its traditional glory, painted a picture of unity, gratitude, and simplicity. It was a celebration where every element, from Kolams to dishes, narrated a story of the harmonious coexistence of man and nature. Let’s explore these traditions one by one:

What is Pongal Kolam?

In every courtyard, women and children showcased their creativity with Pongal Kolam (Rangoli), intricate patterns drawn on the ground using rice flour. These vibrant designs weren't just decorations; they were a warm welcome to prosperity and good fortune.

What is Mattu Pongal Kolam?

On Mattu Pongal, a day dedicated to honouring the cattle, special Mattu Pongal Kolams adorned the entrances. These designs celebrated the indispensable role of cows in agriculture, adding a touch of reverence to the festive decorations.

Bhogi Pongal: Let’s Light it Up

Bhogi Pongal, the first day of the festival, marked the discarding of the old and the embracing of the new. Bonfires crackled in the early morning, symbolising the burning away of negativity, making room for positivity.

Ulavar Pongal: A Day Dedicated to Farmers

Amidst the vibrant celebrations of Pongal, the spotlight shines on Ulavar Pongal, a day dedicated to honouring the farmers. As the morning sun bathes the fields, farmers express their gratitude to the Earth for a bountiful harvest. The day begins with a special prayer for the prosperity of agricultural endeavours. In a symbolic gesture, freshly harvested grains are offered to the Sun God, thanking nature for its abundance. Ulavar Pongal underscores the deep connection between the tillers of the land and the festival, weaving the agricultural community into the rich fabric of Pongal celebrations.

Pongal Jallikattu:

Pongal Jallikattu, a lively tradition during the Pongal festivities, brings an extra thrill to the celebrations. This age-old practice involves brave participants taming bulls, symbolising the strong bond between humans and animals in rural life. However, it's important to note that this rough game has caused injuries and even fatalities, leading the Tamil Nadu government to ban it. Despite the ban, in some villages, the tradition continues with added safety precautions. It's a reminder of the sport's deep roots and the determination of some communities to preserve their cultural practices while prioritising safety.

What are Pongal Dishes?

1. Sakkarai Pongal: A sweet and delectable dish made with freshly harvested rice, jaggery and ghee, and topped with cashews and raisins. It's a symbol of sweetness and abundance.

2. Ven Pongal: A savoury dish made with rice and lentils, cooked to a creamy consistency and seasoned with black pepper, cumin, and ghee. It's often served with a side of coconut chutney and sambar.

How to Celebrate Pongal?

Celebrating Pongal meant more than rituals; it was a holistic experience. Families gathered, shared stories, cooked together, adorned homes with colourful decorations, and participated in traditional activities to honour the harvest.

How to do Pongal Decoration at Home?

Homes adorned with Pongal decorations showcased a riot of colours. Mango leaves, marigold flowers, and sugarcane stalks transformed spaces, creating an ambience of festivity and joy.

Wish and Spread Joy to your Loved Ones with these Pongal Wishes

1. Wishing you a Pongal filled with the warmth of family, the joy of tradition, and the sweetness of success. Happy Pongal!

2. May the festival of Pongal bring you prosperity, good health, and overflowing happiness. Have a wonderful celebration!

3. As you celebrate Pongal, may your life be filled with abundant blessings and the richness of love. Happy Pongal!

4. Sending you heartfelt wishes for a joyous and bountiful Pongal. May your days ahead be as bright as the festival lights!

5. May the Sun God shower his blessings on you, and may your fields be evergreen. Happy Pongal to you and your family!

6. On this auspicious occasion, may your home be filled with laughter, your heart with contentment, and your life with peace. Happy Pongal!

7. Wishing you a harvest of joy and prosperity on this Pongal. May each day be a celebration of success and happiness.

8. May the festival of Pongal bring you closer to your dreams and fill your life with the warmth of love and joy. Happy Pongal!

9. As you rejoice in the festivities of Pongal, may your heart be light, your days be bright, and your year ahead be delightful. 

10. Happy Pongal! May this festival mark the beginning of a year filled with new opportunities, happiness, and success.

Best Pongal Wishes in Tamil

1. பொங்கல் திருநாள் நல்வாழ்த்துகள்! உங்கள் வாழ்கையில் எல்லா வளமும் சேர்ந்து, சந்தோஷம் பெருகட்டும்.
(Pongal Thirunal Nalvaazthukal! Ungal vaazhkaiyil ella vaḷamum chērndhu, santhōṣam perugaṭṭum.)
"Happy Pongal! May your life be filled with prosperity and happiness."

2. இந்த பொங்கல் உங்கள் குடும்பத்திற்கு அமைதி, சாந்தி மற்றும் மகிழ்ச்சி கொண்டுவரட்டும்!
(Indha Pongal ungal kudumbaththirku amaithi, saandhi matrum magizhchi kondaivaraṭṭum!)
"May this Pongal bring peace, tranquillity, and joy to your family!"

3. பொங்கல் பருவம் உங்கள் வாழ்கையில் பொக்கிஷம் மற்றும் ஒற்றுமையை கொண்டுவரட்டும்.
(Pongal paruvam ungal vaazhkaiyil pokkisham matrum oṟṟumaiyāi koṇḍu varāṭṭum.)
"May the season of Pongal bring prosperity and unity into your life."

4.பொங்கலின் இந்த ஒளி உங்கள் வாழ்கையில் புதிய தொடக்கங்களை கொண்டுவரட்டும்!
(Pongalin intha oḷi ungal vaazhkaiyil puthiya toṭakkangkaḷai koṇḍu varāṭṭum!)
"May this light of Pongal bring new beginnings into your life!"

5. இந்த பொங்கல் உங்களுக்கான சந்தோஷம், வெற்றி மற்றும் வலிமை கொண்டுவரட்டும்.
(Indha Pongal ungalukāṉ santhōṣam, veṟṟi matrum valimai koṇḍu varāṭṭum.)
"May this Pongal bring you joy, success, and strength."

Best Places To Visit During Pongal in 2025

Pongal is the most popular harvest festival celebrated in Tamilnadu with great excitement and devotion, but if you want to experience genuine festive vibes, you can visit any of these below-mentioned places that celebrate Pongal with utmost enthusiasm. Let’s have a look:

1. Madurai

Known as the City of Temples, Madurai is one of the most outstanding places to witness the grand celebration of the Pongal festival. The place holds the true spirit of Pongal in its fields & temples. Various activities are arranged on this day for visitors’ entertainment.

2. Thanjavur

The terrific city is not only known for its world-famous Thanjavur paintings but also for the great celebration of Pongal. The houses are all decorated with Kolams, and the people especially visit the place to witness its Brihadeshwara Temple. Mattu Pongal is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fun.

3. Pollachi

Situated at a distance of 44 km from the city of Coimbatore, Pollachi is a beautiful city with many iconic tourist places to visit. You must visit the Masani Amman temple to witness the grand Pongal celebrations.

Pongal Decoration Themes for Kids:

1. Farmyard Fiesta:

Create a mini-farm setup with paper cutouts of farm animals, haystacks, and miniature crops. Add pops of colour with vibrant flowers.

2. Harvest Haven:

Decorate with faux fruits, vegetables, and sheaves of wheat to celebrate the harvest season. You can create vegetable-themed drawings and hang them as banners.

3. Cultural Kaleidoscope:

Embrace the diversity of South Indian culture by incorporating traditional symbols like kolams, mango leaves, and Pongal pots into the decorations.

Pongal Fun Games for Kids:

1. Pongal Pot Toss:

Set up a game where you try to toss small balls into Pongal pots. Assign different points for various levels of difficulty.

2. Rangoli Relay:

Divide yourselves into teams and have a Rangoli relay race. Provide coloured powders or chalk to everyone to create vibrant designs.

3. Farm Animal Scavenger Hunt:

Hide small toy farm animals around the house or yard. You can go on a scavenger hunt to find them, celebrating the significance of cattle during Pongal.

Pongal Craft Ideas for Kids:

1. Pongal Pot Creations:

Allow everyone to decorate miniature clay pots with paints, markers, and stickers. They can plant small herbs or flowers in these pots.

2. Kolam Art on Paper Plates:

Use paper plates as a canvas for creating colourful Kolam designs. You can experiment with different patterns and colours.

3. Vegetable Stamp Painting:

Cut vegetables like okra or potatoes in half and use them as stamps to create vegetable-themed paintings. This craft connects with the agricultural theme of Pongal.

These fun and easy ideas will engage you in the festive spirit of Pongal while letting your creativity shine.

Also Read

• Lohri 2025: A Joyous Celebration of Harvest and Togetherness 

• Makar Sankranti 2025: A Celebration of Harvest and New Beginnings

• Essay on Makar Sankranti

Pongal 2025 is a vibrant and meaningful festival that celebrates the harvest season, the Sun God, and the cultural richness of South India. With its unique customs, traditional foods, and joyous rituals, it brings people together in gratitude and unity. Whether it's the festive kite flying, cooking the sweet Pongal dish, or offering prayers to the Sun, each tradition adds to the beauty and significance of the festival. As Pongal 2025 approaches, it is the perfect time to immerse yourself in its celebrations, embrace its positive energy, and share the joy with your loved ones.