Pongal Festival 2025
Pongal is one of the most significant festivals in India, particularly in Tamil Nadu and the southern states. It marks the arrival of the harvest season and is dedicated to honoring the Sun God, who plays a crucial role in agriculture. The festival is a time of joy, gratitude, and unity, celebrated with great enthusiasm and a variety of customs and traditions. Though Pongal is most popular in Tamil Nadu, it has spread to other parts of India, where similar celebrations take place under different names. Let’s take a look at how Pongal is celebrated across the country.
Pongal Festival 2025: How is it celebrated in Tamil Nadu?
1. Bhogi (First Day)
The first day of the festival, known as Bhogi, marks the beginning of the celebrations. People clean their homes and discard old items to make space for the new, symbolizing a fresh start. Bonfires are lit, where people burn unwanted items, marking the transition from the old year to the new. This day sets the tone for the festive period, and people also decorate their homes with kolams (intricate rangoli designs).
This is the first day of Pongal and it is known as Bhogi. On this day, people clean their homes and throw away old belongings. This signifies a fresh start. People also wear new clothes and decorate their homes.
2. Pongal (Second Day)
The second day is the main event — Pongal. On this day, people prepare a special dish called Pongal, made from newly harvested rice, jaggery, and milk. The dish is cooked in a clay pot outdoors, often under the sun, symbolising the connection between the earth and the harvest. As the rice boils over, people chant “Pongalo Pongal!” as a way of expressing gratitude for the abundance of the harvest. The Sun God is also worshipped, and offerings are made to him.
This is the second day of Pongal and it is known as Surya Pongal. The Sun God is worshipped on this day. People make decorative floor patterns called kolam at the entrance of their homes. Every house cooks a pot of fresh rice with milk at an auspicious time. This is also the most important day of the festival. When the milk boils over the pot, family members shout “Pongalo Pongal!" The Pongal is then offered to the Sun God first and then people eat it.
3. Mattu Pongal (Third Day)
The third day is dedicated to honoring cattle, especially cows and bulls, which play an integral role in agricultural activities. Cattle are bathed, decorated with flowers and bells, and fed special meals. Bullock cart races and other cattle-related competitions are a common sight on this day, as people express their gratitude for the animals’ hard work.
This is the third day of Pongal and is called Maatu Pongal. On this day, people worship the cattle (Maatu). Cows are bathed and then adorned with beads, flowers garlands and bells.
4. Kaanum Pongal (Fourth Day)
The final day, Kaanum Pongal, is a time for family reunions and social gatherings. People visit relatives, friends, and neighbors, exchange gifts, and celebrate together. The day is also marked by outings to parks and beaches, where people enjoy the festive atmosphere.
This is the fourth and last day of Pongal and it is known as Kaanum Pongal. On this day, families come together to strengthen their ties. They sit together to eat a sumptuous meal.
Best Places to celebrate Pongal festival 2025 in Tamil Nadu
Pongal in Tamil Nadu is celebrated with vibrant traditions across several iconic locations. Madurai stands out with its grand Jallikattu events and cultural festivities at historic temples. Chennai offers the unique urban experience of ‘Chennai Sangamam,’ a cultural festival showcasing folk performances and traditional cuisine. In Mahabalipuram, the festival blends with ancient heritage, featuring traditional music and dance against the backdrop of stunning monuments. Theni district is known for its rural charm, hosting lively Jallikattu events in villages like Pallavarayanpatti and Ayyampatti. Meanwhile, Kuilappalayam near Auroville celebrates Pongal with traditional cattle races and village fairs, providing an authentic taste of Tamil culture.
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