Pongal 2026
पोंगल
The Tamil harvest festival, observed on the day the Sun enters Makara Rashi (Makar Sankranti) — the first day of Thai month in the Tamil solar calendar. The four-day celebration begins with Bhogi Pongal (clearing the old), followed by Thai Pongal (boiling the first rice with jaggery and milk as an offering to Surya), Mattu Pongal (cattle worship), and Kaanum Pongal (family visits). The festival predates the Sangam era and is referenced in the Tolkappiyam and Purananuru.
Dates in 2026
Thu, 15 Jan, 2026 — Sun enters Makara (Capricorn), marking Uttarayana -- the northward journey of the sun. Most auspicious Sankranti. Dana, snana in sacred rivers, and tila-gur offerings are prescribed. Ganga snan on this day destroys all sins.
Makar Sankrantiमकर संक्रान्तिyearly07:15 – 18:20sankrantifestivalsuryadanaSources (2)
- Muhurta Chintamani — Sankranti-prakarana, verse 3 (Pyarelal Mishra ed., lines 2291-2318)'Makara-sankrantitah uttarayanam karkato dakshinayanam' — Makara-sankranti = onset of Uttarayana.
- Narada Purana — Purvabhaga, Sankranti-punyakala-varnana, Makara-sankranti punya-kala (sankshipta ed., around lines 14751-14800)Makara-sankranti = Uttarayana-sankrama; purva 40 ghadi + para 30 ghadi prescribed for snana-dana.
Authoritative source
— Dharmasindhu, Nirnaya Sindhu
संक्रान्ति स्नान एवं दान
Sankranti Snana & Dana
Cited from