The Pongal festival, a vibrant and joyful celebration, marks the onset of the harvest season and expresses gratitude to nature. As one of the most significant festivals in Tamil Nadu, India, Pongal extends beyond cultural borders and has started to be celebrated in countries like the USA, where Tamil communities gather to honor their traditions. Pongal 2025 promises to bring families and communities together with its rich customs, delicious food, and meaningful rituals.

History of Pongal

Pongal festival is an ancient festival, a festival whose presence can be traced back to 200B.C to 300A.D i.e the Sangam Age. Pongal was a festival celebrated during the Dravadian era and is mentioned in the Sanskrit Puranas. Still some historians choose to identify it with the festivals celebrated in the Sangam age. According to some historians Pongal was celebrated as Thai Niradal in the Sangam age. It is also believed that during this period, unmarried girls prayed for the agricultural prosperity of the country, and for this purpose they also observed penance. These young unmarried girls would also perform fasting and believed that it would bring a healthy crop, abundant wealth and prosperity to the country for the year ahead.

Legends of Pongal

Festivals in India always have some legends, importance, myths attached to them. While there are many attached to Pongal as well, the following two legends are the most famous ones.

First legend

According to this legend, Lord Shiva once asked his bull, Basava to go down to the earth and ask the people to eat once a month, have an oil massage and bath everyday. Although unintentionally, Basava accidentally announced that everyone should have an oil bath once a day and eat everyday. Lord Shiva’s wrath was such that he banished Basava to live on the earth forever. Here on earth, he would be required to help the people produce more food and thus help them. This might be the reason for the association of cattle to this day.

Second legend

This legend is about Lord Krishna and Lord Indra. The legend says that Lord Krishna in his childhood decided to teach a lesson to Lord Indra, who had become arrogant after becoming the king of all deities. Lord Krishna had angered Lord Indra by asking all the cowherders to stop worshipping Lord Indra. He then sent his clouds of devastation to cause thunderstorms and floods. Lord Krishna then lifted the Mount Govardhan, providing shelter to all beings and showed Lord Indra his divinity. After this Lord Indra’s false pride was shattered and he then apologized to Lord Krishna.

What is Pongal Festival?

Pongal is a traditional harvest festival celebrated predominantly in Tamil Nadu, India, and among Tamil communities worldwide. This vibrant festival signifies gratitude to nature, particularly to the Sun God, for providing a bountiful harvest. The term “Pongal” translates to “boiling over,” representing prosperity and abundance. Rooted in agrarian traditions, Pongal is a joyous occasion that brings families together to honor the fruits of their labor.

The festival holds significant cultural and religious importance. It typically falls in mid-January, coinciding with the Tamil month of Thai and the transition of the sun into the Capricorn zodiac (Makara Sankranti). During Pongal, communities express their appreciation for nature’s bounty, fostering a spirit of unity and thankfulness. The festival’s name is derived from the iconic Pongal dish, a sweet rice preparation that symbolizes abundance and is offered to deities as part of the celebrations.

Pongal has transcended regional boundaries to become a global celebration, with Tamil diaspora communities observing it in countries such as the USA, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, and Canada. These celebrations often include cultural programs, traditional feasts, and rituals, emphasizing its universal appeal and adaptability. From its roots in Tamil Nadu’s villages to its global presence, Pongal continues to inspire a sense of gratitude and community among its participants.

 When is Pongal Festival in 2025?

In 2025, Pongal will be celebrated from Tuesday, January 14, to Friday, January 17. Each day of this four-day festival has unique customs and significance:

• Bhogi Pongal (January 14): The first day is dedicated to Lord Indra, the rain god. It marks a cleansing ritual where people discard old and unwanted items, symbolizing a fresh start. Bonfires are lit to burn these items, and prayers are offered for prosperity.
• Thai Pongal (January 15): This is the main day of the festival, dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. Families prepare the Pongal dish using freshly harvested rice, milk, and jaggery. The ritual includes offering this dish to Surya in gratitude for a successful harvest. Homes are decorated with colorful Kolam designs, adding to the festive atmosphere.
• Mattu Pongal (January 16): The third day is devoted to honoring cattle, which play a vital role in agriculture. Cows and bulls are adorned with garlands, painted horns, and bells. They are fed special food and worshipped for their contributions to farming.
• Kaanum Pongal (January 17): The final day is a time for family reunions and social gatherings. People visit relatives and friends, exchange gifts, and organize picnics, emphasizing the festival’s communal spirit.

The festival’s timing aligns with the Tamil solar calendar and the transition of the sun, which is considered an auspicious period. Globally, Tamil communities adapt these rituals to local time zones, ensuring traditional customs are preserved.

How Do We Celebrate Pongal?

Pongal festival celebrations are marked by elaborate rituals, vibrant decorations, and communal activities. Here is a detailed guide to the traditional practices:

1. Home Cleaning and Decoration: The festivities begin with thorough cleaning of homes, symbolizing a fresh start. Families adorn their courtyards with colorful Kolams, intricate patterns made using rice flour. These designs are believed to invite prosperity and ward off negative energies.
2. Traditional Attire: People wear new and traditional clothes, such as saris and dhotis, reflecting the cultural richness of the festival.
3. Cooking Pongal Dish: Central to the celebrations is the preparation of the Pongal dish. It is traditionally cooked outdoors in a clay pot under the sun. As the milk boils over, people shout “Pongalo Pongal,” signifying abundance and happiness.
4. Puja Offerings: Special prayers are performed to honor the Sun God and other deities. The Pongal dish, along with sugarcane, bananas, and coconuts, is offered as part of the puja. 
5. Cultural Performances: Villages and towns host cultural programs, including traditional music, dance, and dramas. These performances highlight Tamil heritage and add to the festive joy.
6. Community Bonding: Pongal fosters a sense of togetherness through communal activities such as feasts, bull-taming events, and traditional games. Families gather to share meals and exchange blessings, reinforcing social bonds.

“Elevate Your Spirituality with Surya homam: Join the Journey!”

Modern celebrations incorporate these traditional elements while adapting to contemporary lifestyles, ensuring the essence of Pongal remains intact across generations.

Rituals and Spiritual Practices During Pongal

Surya Puja: The Heart of Pongal festival

The second day of the festival is considered to be the most important. It is called Thai Pongal or Surya Pongal. The rituals on the second day are very elaborate. The ceremonial worship starts with the drawing of the Kolam. This is done by the womenfolk early in the morning after their bath. The members of the household wear new clothes and then the all-important ritual of preparing the Pongal begins. Rice is boiled in an earthen pot which has a turmeric plant tied to it. The pot is put atop a clay stove in the courtyard of the house. The pot is also very beautifully painted. Once the rice cooks and boils over, it is then offered to the Sun God, along with bananas, coconuts and sticks of sugarcane. The Pongal is first offered to the Gods, then to the cattle, and it is only at the end that it is distributed amongst friends and family. Maintaining this order is considered to be of utmost importance.

“Join the Divine Celebration: Book Your Surya Puja Now!”

Mattu Puja: A Tribute to Cattle

A The third day is dedicated to worshipping the cattle. They are integral to farmers and their livelihood, and on this day their blessings are sought. The cattle of the household are given a ceremonial bath in the morning. Then their horns are cleaned, polished, painted, and decorated with flowers. Once the cattle have been embellished, aarti is performed so as to ward off the evil eye. The worship of cattle has its roots in a legend which goes as follows.

It is believed that Lord Shiva had once asked his lovable bull, Basava, to go to earth with a message for humans, that they must have a bath and oil massage daily, and eat once a month. Basava instead conveyed the message that humans should eat daily, and take a bath and oil massage once a month. Shiva was furious and exiled his most loving bull to live on earth forever. He told Basava that henceforth he will have to till the earth with a plough to aid the farmers to cultivate and produce food. Cows and bulls are revered till today in the region as they are considered to have descended from Basava, the divine Bull. Pongal also involves a traditional cattle sport called Jallikattu.

Bhogi Puja: Cleansing for a Fresh Start

It is the first day of the main Pongal festivities. On this day, Lord Indra, the God of clouds and rains, is worshipped and thanked for the abundant harvest that brings prosperity to earth. Bhogi Pongal is hence also referred to as Indran. This day is normally spent by performing all kinds of domestic chores. Every member of the family cleans up his/her room and gets rid of old and unused items. Every home is thoroughly washed and scrubbed.

After the cleaning, the homes are decorated with Kolams- floor designs made with a white paste of rice outlined with mud. Kolams are not only welcoming and pretty, but also define the sacred area where the Pongal will be prepared.By the end of the day, a fresh harvest of rice, turmeric and sugarcane is brought in from the fields, as part of preparations for day two. The day also involves a lot of dancing and singing around bonfires in honour of Lord Indra. Leftover hay from agricultural fields and unwanted household goods are added to the fire to keep it going. It signifies getting rid of all past baggage and gearing up for a new start.

“Be a Part of the Sacred Indrani Homa: Sign Up Now!”

Kanum Pongal: Strengthening Bonds

This is the last and the fourth day of the festival and marks the end of the Pongal festivities. It is essentially a day of merriment on which Pongal songs and dances are performed. On this day, a particular ritual is performed. Sweet Pongal, betel leaves, bananas, betel nuts, two sticks of sugarcane, coloured rice (red and yellow), and other preparations are together placed on the washed turmeric leave sand left in the courtyard. The primary item, rice, is placed in the middle of the turmeric leaf. This is considered to be an offering to birds.

All the women of the household assemble together in the courtyard and offer prayers for the family’s prosperity in general and for their brothers’ well-being in particular. This is followed by aarti with turmeric water, rice, vermillion, and limestone. This water is considered very holy and is sprinkled everywhere in the premises of the house. Kaanum Pongal is considered to be a very auspicious day to arrange marriage proposals and to forge new bonds and relationships.

Pongal 2025: Celebrations in India and Beyond

In Tamil Nadu, the epicenter of Pongal celebrations, the festival is observed with unmatched enthusiasm and cultural richness. Each day has its own distinct traditions:

• Bhogi Pongal: The day begins with cleaning homes and lighting bonfires to burn old belongings. This ritual represents cleansing and preparing for new beginnings.
• Surya Pongal: The highlight of the festival, this day is marked by elaborate rituals, including Surya Puja and the preparation of the Pongal dish. Families gather to pray and celebrate together.
• Mattu Pongal: Farmers express gratitude to their cattle by adorning them with garlands and performing pujas. Traditional sports like jallikattu, a bull-taming event, add excitement to the celebrations.
• Kanum Pongal: This day is dedicated to social interactions and family bonding. People visit relatives and friends, exchange gifts, and enjoy communal feasts.

In India, Pongal festival begins with Bhogi Pongal on the morning of January 14, 2025. The following are pongal dates 2025- Days see elaborate rituals and festivities, with Surya Pongal observed on January 15, Mattu Pongal on January 16, and Kanum Pongal on January 17. The timing aligns with the Tamil solar calendar and sunrise.

Pongal 2025 USA- In USA, Tamil communities ensure that the essence of Pongal remains intact, despite being far from their homeland. The celebrations often include:

• Cultural Programs: Tamil music, dance, and drama performances are organized to showcase the community’s rich heritage.
• Temple Events: Special pujas, including Surya Puja, are conducted in temples. The Pongal dish is distributed as prasad, fostering a sense of spiritual connection.
• Community Gatherings: Families come together to prepare and share traditional dishes, play games, and recount stories about the festival’s significance.

The festival’s adaptability highlights its universal appeal and the strong sense of community among Tamils worldwide.In the USA, Tamil communities adapt the festival’s schedule to suit local time zones. For example, temple ceremonies and community gatherings may start a day earlier or later than in India. This ensures that families can participate fully in the rituals and traditions, maintaining the festival’s spirit despite being far from home.

Delicacies of Pongal Festival

The core dish of the festival is undoubtedly Pongal. This traditional dish is prepared with rice, dal, and ghee. Different variations are made using these essential ingredients. Rice, sugarcane, cereals, and turmeric are the staple crops of Tamil Nadu. These are harvested in the Tamil month of Thai and play a significant role in the preparation of Pongal. The festival is therefore often called Thai Pongal. Traditionally, the first rice that is harvested is used. This is the reason why the Pongal is first offered to the Sun God as prasadam to thank Him for a good harvest.

Always considered auspicious, turmeric is an integral part of Indian customs and rituals. Turmeric leaves are also used to decorate the earthen pot in which the Pongal is prepared. Ven Pongal: The all-time favourite Sakkarai Pongal is the sweet version (in which jaggery is added) and Ven Pongal is the salted version of this sacred dish.

The flavour and aroma of Pongal is enhanced when it is made in pure ghee. To prepare Sakkarai Pongal, a concoction is made of rice, milk, moong dal, jaggery, and ghee, and is brought to a boil and allowed to spill over. Ven (white) Pongal, apart from being a traditional preparation of the festival, is also a popular breakfast dish of the state and is now also served in different avatars all over the country.

Along with Pongal festival, other delicacies too are prepared during this festival season. One of the important dishes is Pongal Kootu. Kootu means a combination of lentils and vegetables. This dish is basically a sambar including seven seasonal vegetables. Pongal Kootu can be prepared with a combination of broad beans, pumpkin, ash gourd, potato, raw banana, sweet potato, and lima beans. Kara Murukku is a delicious and whole some snack made with urad dal and is a crispy treat served as part of Pongal feasting. Its unique round-coiled shape and crunchiness makes it an all-time favourite evening snack too.

Conclusion

Pongal Festival 2025 encapsulates the spirit of gratitude, renewal, and togetherness, transcending its origins as a harvest festival to become a celebration with global resonance. Rooted in Tamil Nadu’s rich traditions, it highlights the deep bond between humanity and nature, fostering a sense of community and thankfulness.

As we navigate through each day of Pongal—Bhogi, Thai, Mattu, and Kaanum—we are reminded of the importance of purging the old, honoring the forces of nature, acknowledging the contributions of animals, and strengthening familial and social ties. The festival’s symbolic rituals, such as preparing the Pongal dish under the sun and adorning homes with vibrant Kolams, preserve its cultural legacy while connecting modern generations to their heritage.

Globally, the Tamil diaspora’s efforts to keep the festival alive, coupled with digital advancements, have made Pongal a celebration without borders. By embracing both tradition and innovation, the festival has evolved while maintaining its timeless core values of gratitude and community.

As we look forward to Pongal 2025, let us celebrate not just the abundance in our lives but also the relationships and traditions that sustain us. Pongal serves as a beautiful reminder to express gratitude, cherish bonds, and hope for prosperity in the year ahead. Book your puja today with astrobhava.

FAQs 

1. Which god is famous for Pongal?
It is dedicated to Surya (the solar deity in Hinduism) and corresponds to Makar Sankranti, the Hindu observance celebrated under many regional names throughout the Indian subcontinent.

2. What is the special dish of Pongal?
Traditional Pongal food recipes like Ven Pongal, sweet Pongal, bisi bele bath and tamarind rice add a culinary richness to this vibrant harvest festival. Join us as we understand the significance of Pongal through the savoury warmth of these dishes that have been passed down through generations.

3. Is Pongal good for health? 

Yes, Pongal can be rich in protein, especially with lentils or broken wheat. They’re healthy ingredients that keep you full and help your muscles.

4. Which goddess is Worshipped on Pongal? 

During Pongal, falling on the first day of the Tamil month of Thai, one should seek the blessings of elders, one’s ancestors and pray for guidance to lead a life free of sins. From times unknown, worship of Surya, the sun god and the ultimate source of energy, has been in practice.