Pongal is one of the major celebrations in the southern region of the country. The festival marks the transit of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn.
Pongal marks the beginning of the harvest season and it is celebrated in the southern region of the country. The festival marks the transit of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. Additionally, it also symbolises the conclusion of the winter season.
Pongal is observed for over four days. This year, the celebration will begin on January 15 and go on till January 18.
Pongal 2024: Date and Muhurat
The four-day-long celebration will begin with Bhogi Pongal on January 15. The next day is observed as Surya Pongal on January 16. People celebrate Mattu Pongal on January 17, and the final day, Kaanum Pongal, is on January 18.
The sunrise time on January 15 (Monday)- is 7:14 am, while the sunset time on Bhogi Pongal- is 5:57 pm. The Sankranti muhurat on the first day will be from 2:45 am.
Pongal 2024: Rituals
On Bhogi Pongal, people clean their homes and decorate them with flowers and lights. It is believed that discarding old and broken items from the house will mark the beginning of a fresh start.
The next day, Surya Pongal, people worship the Sun God. On the auspicious day, devotees decorate their houses with traditional designs drawn using rice flour and red clay known as Pongal Kolam.
On Mattu Pongal, people worship cattle and seek blessings for a rich harvest. Cows are adorned with bells, multi-coloured beads, turmeric water, and flower garlands.
On the final day, Kaanum Pongal, people exchange gifts and host a feast for their close ones.
