Pongal 2026: Dates, Meaning, First Day Name, Celebration Rituals, Traditions & Complete Festival Guide
Pongal is one of the grandest and most cherished harvest festivals of South India, celebrated with joy, colour, rituals, and deep cultural significance. Observed mainly in Tamil Nadu, Pongal marks the beginning of the Tamil month Thai, a time believed to bring prosperity, new beginnings, and good luck.
Families prepare festive foods, decorate homes with kolam, worship cattle, honour nature, and celebrate the blessings of a bountiful harvest.
Whether you are searching for when Pongal is in 2026, what the first day of Pongal is called, how to make pongal, or how Pongal is celebrated, this guide gives everything in one place.
Let’s explore Pongal 2026: dates, meaning, rituals, celebrations, food, drawings, traditions, and even Pongal special dresses for baby girls.
When Is Pongal 2026? (Pongal 2026 Dates)🌞
Pongal is a four-day festival, and in 2026, it will be celebrated on:
- Bhogi Pongal – 13 January 2026 (Tuesday)
- Thai Pongal (Main Day) – 14 January 2026 (Wednesday)
- Mattu Pongal – 15 January 2026 (Thursday)
- Kaanum Pongal – 16 January 2026 (Friday)
These dates are extremely important for people planning rituals, cooking traditional dishes, temple visits, school celebrations, and travel.
What Is Pongal?
Pongal is a harvest festival dedicated to:
- The Sun God (Surya)
- Nature
- Cattle
- Agriculture
The word “Pongal” comes from the Tamil term “Pongu”, meaning “to overflow”, symbolising abundance, prosperity, and overflowing happiness.
People celebrate Pongal by:
- Cooking the iconic dish Pongal
- Decorating homes with kolam
- Worshipping cows and bulls
- Wearing new traditional clothes
- Enjoying family gatherings, temple visits, and outdoor festivities
Where Is Pongal Celebrated?
Pongal is mainly celebrated in:
- Tamil Nadu (primary region)
- Puducherry
- Sri Lanka (Tamil community)
- Parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka & Telangana
- Tamil diaspora in Malaysia, Singapore, USA, UK, Canada, Australia
Is Pongal and Sankranti the Same?
✔ Pongal = 4-day Tamil harvest festival
✔ Makar Sankranti = Pan-India harvest festival on 14 January
Yes, both festivals occur around the same time but have different rituals and cultural practices. Tamil Nadu celebrates Thai Pongal on the same day as Sankranti.
4 Days of Pongal 2026 (Detailed Guide)
Pongal is unique because it is celebrated across four beautiful days, each with its own rituals.
1️⃣ Bhogi Pongal – 13 January 2026
What is the first day of Pongal known as?
➡️ The first day is called Bhogi.
Significance:
- Represents new beginnings
- Old belongings are discarded
- Homes are cleaned
- Bonfires (Bhogi mantalu) are lit
- Symbolizes leaving negativity behind
2️⃣ Thai Pongal – 14 January 2026 (Main Day)
Thai Pongal is the main festival, also known as Surya Pongal.
What is the Pongal dish?
The traditional pongal dish is made with:
Rice, Milk, Moong dal, Jaggery, Ghee
The pot is allowed to overflow, symbolising prosperity. People chant✨
“Pongalo Pongal!”
Homes are decorated with:
- Fresh kolam/rangoli
- Turmeric plants
- Sugarcane stalks
- Banana leaves
- Sun God puja items
Families gather for prayers, food, music, and photos.
3️⃣ Mattu Pongal – 15 January 2026
When is Mattu Pongal?
➡️ Mattu Pongal is on 15 January 2026.
This day celebrates cattle, the farmers’ companions.
Rituals include:
- Cows & bulls decorated with flowers
- Horns painted in bright colours
- Special food offered
- Village events like Jallikattu
4️⃣ Kaanum Pongal – 16 January 2026
A day for outings, blessings, and family time.
Activities include:
- Visiting beaches, parks & temples
- Family picnics
- Wearing traditional clothing
- Preparing rice varieties like curd rice, lemon rice & tamarind rice
Why Do We Celebrate Pongal? 🌿
The festival is celebrated to:
- Thank Sun God for a successful harvest
- Honour Mother Nature
- Celebrate cattle
- Welcome the lucky Tamil month Thai
- Strengthen family & community bonds
- Mark new beginnings
How to Wish Happy Pongal?
“Happy Pongal!”
“Pongal Nalvazhthukkal!”
“Thai Pongal Vaalthukkal!”
“Wishing you prosperity and happiness this Pongal!”
Pongal Special Baby Girls’ Dresses (Wish Karo Picks)
Pongal is a colourful festival, and dressing up kids in traditional outfits is a big tradition. Baby girls look adorable in bright, festive dresses inspired by Tamil culture.
Here are the top Pongal dress trends for baby girls in 2026:
⭐ 1. Pattu Pavadai (Silk Skirt & Blouse)
- Rich silk-inspired fabric
- Zari borders
- Bright festive colours
- Perfect for temple visits & Pongal day
⭐ 2. Ethnic Printed Frocks (Most Searched Online)
- South Indian motifs
- Gold borders
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Knee-length flare
⭐ 3. Cotton Traditional Dresses
- Soft breathable cotton
- Checked designs
- Simple & elegant
- Ideal for school celebrations
⭐ 4. Baby Girls’ Party Wear Dresses
- Satin & georgette
- Ruffles & flare
- Floral prints
- Perfect for Kaanum Pongal outings
⭐ 5. Silk Border Designer Frocks (Wish Karo Bestseller)
- Premium festive look
- Temple border detailing
- Soft inner lining
- Super photogenic
⭐ 6. Ethnic Gowns for Kids
- Grand festive look
- Gold work
- Full flare
- Perfect for Pongal photoshoots
Why Wish Karo Dresses Are Perfect for Pongal
✔ Comfortable for kids
✔ Soft inner lining
✔ Vibrant festive colours
✔ Affordable prices
✔ Available in 0–9 years
✔ Perfect for photos, school functions & temple visits
Conclusion
Pongal 2026 is a festival of gratitude, celebration, family, and tradition. From Bhogi Pongal to Kaanum Pongal, every day has a special meaning and a beautiful ritual attached to it. Whether you’re learning about the festival, preparing recipes, dressing your kids, or celebrating with your family, Pongal brings joy, prosperity, and cultural pride.
This guide covers everything you need: dates, meaning, rituals, recipes, drawings, celebrations, and Pongal dresses — making it the perfect resource for Pongal 2026.