When is Pongal 2026? Confused Between Jan 13 or 14? Here is the Correct Date, Calendar, and Auspicious Muhurats
Chennai/New Delhi – As the winter chill begins to recede, India prepares for one of its most significant harvest seasons. For the Tamil community across the globe, this marks the arrival of Pongal, a four-day thanksgiving festival dedicated to the Sun God, nature, and farm animals.
However, with the solar calendar shifting slightly each year, there is often confusion regarding the exact starting date. Does Pongal 2026 begin on January 13 or 14?
According to Drik Panchang, the main festivities commence with Bhogi Pongal on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, while the primary day, Thai Pongal (Surya Pongal), falls on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, marking the start of the auspicious Tamil month of Thai.
Pongal 2026: The Complete 4-Day Calendar
Pongal is celebrated alongside Makar Sankranti, Lohri, and Uttarayan. Here is the detailed schedule for the four-day extravaganza:
Festival Day | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
Bhogi Pongal | Tuesday, Jan 13 | A day of cleansing. Old and unwanted items are burned in bonfires, symbolizing the destruction of the old to make way for the new. |
Thai Pongal (Surya Pongal) | Wednesday, Jan 14 | The main day. Families worship the Sun God and cook the traditional sweet rice dish 'Pongal' in earthen pots using fresh harvest, milk, and jaggery. |
Mattu Pongal | Thursday, Jan 15 | Dedicated to cattle. Farmers bathe their cows/bulls, paint their horns, adorn them with garlands, and feed them special treats in gratitude for their help in farming. |
Kaanum Pongal | Friday, Jan 16 | The final day for family reunions. People visit loved ones, exchange gifts, and pray for the prosperity and health of the family unit. |
Auspicious Timings (Shubh Muhurat)
For those planning their pujas and the ceremonial boiling of milk, timing is everything. On Thai Pongal (January 14), the sun transitions towards the north (Uttarayan).
- Sankranti Moment: 03:13 PM (Jan 14)
- Brahma Muhurat: 05:27 AM to 06:21 AM
- Pratah Sandhya: 05:54 AM to 07:15 AM
- Vijaya Muhurat: 02:15 PM to 02:57 PM
- Amrit Kalam: 03:23 PM to 05:10 PM
Note: The Nishita Muhurat falls late at night between 12:03 AM to 12:57 AM on January 15.
Rituals and Traditions: More Than Just a Harvest
Pongal is not merely about food; it is an ecological celebration.
- The 'Pongal' Dish: The central ritual involves boiling rice with milk and jaggery in a new clay pot. As the milk boils over, people shout "Pongalo Pongal!" signifying the overflow of abundance and prosperity in their lives.
- Kolam Artworks: Women wake up early to draw intricate patterns (Kolam) at the entrance of their homes using rice flour. These are not just decorations but are believed to welcome goddess Lakshmi.
- Nature Worship: The festival expresses deep gratitude to the elements—Sun (Surya), Rain (Indra), and animals (cattle)—that sustain agriculture and life.
Our Thoughts
As we step into 2026, Pongal serves as a beautiful reminder of our connection to the earth. Whether you are lighting the bonfire on Bhogi or feasting on sweet Pongal with family on Kaanum, the essence remains the same: gratitude. The Trending People wishes all our readers a harvest season filled with abundance and joy. Pongalo Pongal!
