Pongal 2025: Dates, Time and Significance
Dec 24, 2024
Pongal 2025 is the sacred time of the year, to pay respect
To the Sun God,
Our Cows and
Our agricultural traditions.
Pongal is a cultural festival of Tamilnadu, celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month, Thai. There’s a saying that goes, “Thai Pirandhal Vazhi Pirakkum”. Which means “The birth of Thai will pave the way for new opportunities”
Pongal 2025 Dates and Time
Pongal is a three-day festival, with each day holding a unique significance. Below are the Pongal 2025 dates.
Thai Pongal: January 15, 2025
Mattu Pongal: January 16, 2025
Kaanum Pongal: January 17, 2025
Before the main Pongal, people celebrate Bhogi on January 14. Houses are usually cleaned and adored with decorative items like Tanjore paintings, garlands, and rangolis.
The Essence of Pongal
The word “Pongal”, is derived from the Tamil word, “Pongu”, which translates to “Overflow”. The festival symbolizes abundance, harvest, prosperity, and joy.
More than just a festival, it’s a celebration of life, nature, agriculture, and gratitude. The beginning of Thai is considered auspicious and filled with hope for new beginnings.
Pongal brings together people and unites families to cook, feast, and celebrate. This is what a typical Pongal 2025 morning would look like :
“There’s a devotional song playing in the background, either Skanda Shasti Kavasam or the Suprabatham. Rangolis are already drawn and filled with beautiful colors. Kids were woken up from their sleep, and made to wear new clothes. Mothers are wearing sarees and are preparing the Pongal. Dads are preparing the Pooja items. Once the Pongal overflows, the whole family happily prays to the Sun God and shares the sweet, delicious Pongal. After eating the Pongal, the whole family would sit down together to watch Jallikattu” .
Pongal 2025: Four Days of Celebrations
Bhogi Pongal: Celebrated at the end of Margazhi, bhogi is dedicated to Lord Indra, the God of Rain. Houses are cleaned and old items are burned as a symbol of a fresh start. The fire also signifies cleaning the house of impurities and preparing for the year of harmony.
Thai Pongal: The first day of Thai is the most important day, where “Pongal” (a sweet rice dish) made with rice, jaggery, and milk is prepared and offered to Surya Bhagavan. It is a symbol of thanking Lord Surya for the harvest.
Maatu Pongal: The second day of Thai is dedicated to cattle, who help ceaselessly in farming and offer nutritious milk. Cows are bathed and adorned with garlands, and their horns are painted in bright colors. Then Pooja is done, and sweet Pongal is offered to the sacred animals.
Kaanum Pongal: The last day of the Pongal 2025 is dedicated to paying respect to elders and celebrating the joyous time with family and friends. It is usually accompanied by cultural performances, outings, grand feasts, and gifting of traditional art, like Tanjore paintings.
Pongal Fun Facts:
People chant “Pongalo Pongal” when the Pongal overflows and is considered auspicious.
Mattu Pongal is also known for Jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming sport, which is an identity of Tamil culture.
People usually gift dresses, home appliances, or art like Tanjore paintings to share the joy.
Jallikattu 2025
Jallikattu is derived from the words,
Jalli - Coins
Kattu - Tied
Usually, coins are tied to the horns of the bull, and valourous men try to retrieve them. Dating back 2,500 years It's a traditional sport and an integral part of Tamil culture and heritage.
Especially on the day of Maatu Pongal, Jallikattu, the pride of the Tamil people, happens with much enthusiasm.
The participants are called “Maadu Pidi Veerargal”. And when the bulls are released into open ground, these men showcase their valor and try to catch them.
Agricultural families also showcase their gorgeous, strong bulls, and they are considered a part of the family.
Although Jallikattu happens in various parts of the state this Pongal 2025, some are considered remarkable.
Most of the Tamil news channels cover these iconic events, and you can watch them live!
Conclusion:
Pongal is a cultural celebration of agricultural success and harvest. Furthermore, it also represents Tamil Nadu’s cultural richness and age-old traditions and heritage.
Pongal is the time of the year to pay respects and share joy. So, this festive season, buy exquisite Tanjore paintings and gift them to your friends and family.
