Pongal 2024

Pongal is a joyous festival that is celebrated in the southern part of India, mainly in the state of Tamil Nadu. This festival occurs every year in January, during the Tai month of the Tamil calendar. Pongal marks the transition of winter into summer, which is celebrated by worshipping the Sun God. 

In 2024, Pongal will be celebrated from the 15-18th of January. It is celebrated for four days and each day has its special activities. On the first day, called Bhogi Pongal, people clean their homes and light bonfires to get rid of negative energy. On the second day, Surya Pongal, people pay their respect to the Sun God at sunrise. The third day, Mattu Pongal is all about showing respect to cattle. On the last day, Kannam Pongal, people spend time with family and show their gratitude to nature for providing a new harvest.

Pongal is one of the largest harvest festivals in India, which is celebrated at the same time as Lohri in Punjab, Makar Sankranti in North India and Bihu in Assam. This festival is named after the traditional sweet dish of Pongal which is cooked with rice, milk and jaggery.