4 Days of Pongal 2025, Dates, Rituals, Story, Timings

Pongal is a four-day festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu and across Tamil communities globally to express gratitude to nature for a bountiful harvest. The festival, dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, marks the beginning of the Tamil month of Thai and the harvest season. In 2025, Pongal will be celebrated from Tuesday, January 14 to Friday, January 17. The four days are: Bhogi (January 14, 2025), dedicated to Lord Indra and marking the clearing of old possessions; Thai Pongal (January 15, 2025), the main day for thanking the Sun God for the harvest; Mattu Pongal (January 16, 2025), honoring cattle for their role in agriculture; and Kaanum Pongal (January 17, 2025), a day for family reunions and social celebrations. These days are filled with rituals, significance, and joy, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Tamil communities worldwide.

Day 1: Bhogi (14th January 2025)

Significance:

The first day of Pongal is dedicated to Lord Indra, the God of rain and clouds, seeking blessings for a prosperous harvest. Bhogi symbolizes the transition from the old to the new, and people clean their homes, discard old possessions, and prepare for the new season.

Rituals:

- Bonfires are lit, and old, unwanted items like broken furniture and wood are burned, symbolizing the destruction of the old and making way for the new.

- People wear new clothes and decorate their homes with kolams (traditional rangoli designs) at the entrance.

- The day starts with prayers and offerings to Lord Indra for good rain and bountiful crops.

Timings:

Bhogi is observed early in the morning. The bonfire ceremony usually happens before sunrise, while prayers and celebrations last throughout the day.

Day 2: Thai Pongal (15th January 2025)

Significance:

The second day of Pongal is the main event, Thai Pongal, dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. It marks the beginning of the Tamil month of Thai and celebrates the harvest of crops like rice, sugarcane, and turmeric. The Sun’s transition towards the Northern Hemisphere is a key astronomical event, marking longer days and shorter nights.

Rituals:

- Early in the morning, people clean their homes and prepare the traditional Pongal dish, a sweet rice dish cooked with milk, jaggery, and turmeric, in an open space or backyard.

- The Pongal dish is offered to the Sun God along with sugarcane, bananas, and coconuts as a token of thanks for the good harvest.

- The kolam designs, typically made using rice flour, are drawn at the entrance of homes, welcoming prosperity.

Timings:

Thai Pongal celebrations begin early in the morning, as families offer prayers, prepare Pongal, and perform rituals outdoors. The offering to the Sun God occurs after sunrise.

Day 3: Mattu Pongal (16th January 2025)

Significance:

Mattu Pongal is dedicated to cattle, especially cows, which play a crucial role in agriculture and farming. It celebrates the contribution of animals to the harvest process and their importance in the farming community.

Rituals:

- Cattle such as cows, oxen, and bulls are bathed, adorned with flowers, bells, and colorful paints.

- Farmers offer prayers and special meals to the cattle, thanking them for their hard work in plowing fields and providing milk.

- In some regions, Jallikattu (a bull-taming sport) is conducted as part of the celebrations.

Timings:

Mattu Pongal is observed throughout the day, with most rituals taking place in the morning, when cattle are cleaned and decorated.

Day 4: Kaanum Pongal (17th January 2025)

Significance:

Kaanum Pongal marks the final day of the festival. It is a day for socializing, visiting family and friends, and wishing each other health, wealth, and happiness. The day focuses on the bond of family and the importance of sharing the harvest.

Rituals:

- Families visit each other, exchange gifts, and share meals, particularly the Pongal dish from the previous days.

- Women of the house perform the Kanu Pidi ritual, which is dedicated to their brothers, praying for their well-being and happiness.

- Sugarcane, a symbol of abundance, is offered to family members and exchanged as part of the social celebrations.

Timings:

Kaanum Pongal is generally celebrated during the afternoon, as it involves family gatherings and socializing.

Conclusion

Pongal is a vibrant and joyous festival that brings together families and communities. Each of the four days of Pongal has its unique rituals, significance, and customs, all focused on celebrating nature, harvest, and family bonds. As we observe these days in 2025, it’s a time to give thanks for the bountiful harvest and look forward to a year of prosperity.

Explore the dates, celebrations, and significance of Pongal 2025 in the UK, and learn about the unique events that bring the Tamil community together. Read more about Pongal 2025 in the UK.