Pongal 2026: Divine Dates, Rituals & Blessings of Surya Dev

Pongal is one among the most widely celebrated harvest festivals in our country. Every year, people come together to recognise the auspicious days of sun’s northward journey or Uttarayana and the sacred Tamil month of Thai. Even though it is mainly honoured by Tamil devotees, it is celebrated along with the religious functions of Gujarat’s Uttarayan, Pujab’s Lohri and Eatern India’s Makar Sankranti. This is the time period in which people pay homage to Lord Surya, Mother Earth and farm animals so as to ensure an abundant harvest. In this article, we will explore the important dates, timings, divine rituals, the festival’s spiritual significance and a lot more. Keep reading.

14th January is the starting day of Pongal, according to Drik Panchang. First day of the auspicious Thai month of Tamil Nadu marks the beginning of this divine festival. The key dates include:

13th January 2026 (Tuesday) - Bhogi Pongal

Devotees believe that this is the day for inner rejuvenation and renewal. Burning bonfires is a key ritual on this day, representing the removal of past mistakes or karmic bondages. This is the time to start anew with a pure soul and optimism.

14th January 2026 (Wednesday) - Thai or Surya Pongal

This is the day in which the customary sweet dish named Pongal is prepared as a part of worshipping Sun God. It is made with rice that is freshly harvested, jaggery and milk. Pongal will be offered to the Surya Dev during puja.

15th January 2026 (Thursday) - Matt Pongal

This is the day to express respect to cattles. Farmers will bathe them. Along with painting their horns and adorning them with garlands, farmers will also make them happy with special treats.

16th January 2026 (Friday) - Kaanum Pongal

This is the day for family gatherings and cultural programs. People gather together at their familial homes and celebrate unity and pray for everyone’s material and spiritual prosperity.

Panchang points out that Sankranti Moment of Thai Pongal falls on the time period of 3:13 PM (14th January). Some of the important timings to remember include:

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

Nishita Muhurat - 12:03 AM to 12:57 AM

Pongal is considered as a great opportunity to start anew with positivity. Performing pujas and visiting family and friends help people to achieve the same. Gratitude towards Surya Dev, nature and cattles will gift us humility. Moreover, Lord Surya’s blessings will turn into our guiding light and greatest strength. By decorating homes with Kolam artworks, by preparing the sweet rice dish named pongal as an offering to Bhagwan, it is believed that families will receive blessings in the form of excellent health, vigour, wealth and wisdom.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What clothes are worn during Pongal?
   For Pongal, people wear traditional South Indian attire. Women favour Kanchipuram silk sarees during this period.
2. What is the significance of boiling milk during Pongal?
   Boiling milk during Pongal symbolises prosperity and abundance as the overflowing milk signifies that the household will be blessed with overflowing wealth and happiness.
3. Which animal is worshipped in Pongal?
   On the third day of Pongal called Mattu Pongal, cows and bulls are worshipped as a sign of gratitude for their vital role in agriculture.