Pongal 2024: the vibrant and traditional harvest festival that is widely celebrated in India, especially in Tamilnadu, is just around the corner, and anticipation is building for the auspicious celebrations ahead. Pongal is a special festival in Tamil Nadu that lasts for four days. It’s a big celebration, especially in the southern states of India, where people take this festival to thank nature as it tremendously helps in agriculture. Usually in the month of Thai between January and February, when crops like rice, sugarcane, and turmeric are harvested. Hence these crops are used as an oblation to the sun god and for cows which helps a lot in farming.
Read More: Pongal Wishes 2024: Pongal Greetings, Images To Share With Your Loved Ones
Pongal 2024: Date and Timings
The joyous Pongal festival usually lasts for four days. This year, because 2024 is a leap year, the celebrations will kick off on January 15, which falls on a Monday, and wrap up on January 18, which is a Thursday.
Every Year Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on Jan 14th. In leap years, It falls on Jan 15. Hence this year, it is celebrated on January 15th. According to the Drik Panchang, the auspicious time will begin at 7:15 AM and finish at 5:46 PM. A more significant auspicious time will start at 7:15 AM and end at 9 AM on January 15th.
Here’s the schedule for Pongal 2024, including auspicious timings:
- Bhogi Pongal is on Sunday, January 14, 2024
- Surya Pongal falls on Monday, January 15, 2024. Timing:6.30 to 7.30
- Mattu Pongal takes place on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
- Kannam Pongal is observed on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.
Significance of Pongal 2024
Pongal is a time for farmers to express their gratitude to the Sun God, Surya, for providing abundant harvests every year. The festival is a celebration of the bountiful crops and the agricultural prosperity of the region which is very important for all human beings. Agriculture is the main source of why we all are getting food every day. It also signifies the end of the winter season and the onset of warmer days.
Rituals of Pongal 2024
Bhogi Pongal: The Pongal festival starts with Bhogi Pongal, where people clean their homes and discard old belongings that remain useless. This ritual symbolizes the removal of the old to make way for the new and is a way of starting the festival with a fresh and positive outlook. Many people bonfire the old they are having on that day. It is believed that it will remove all the old and welcome the new.
Thai Pongal: The main day of celebration is Thai Pongal, marked by the preparation of a special dish known as “Pongal”. This dish is made with newly harvested rice, jaggery, and milk, and it is cooked in a pot until it overflows, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. Families gather to cook and share this dish as an offering of thanks.
Mattu Pongal: Mattu Pongal is a festival celebrated as a way of thanking cows for their help in farming. On this day, cows are bathed, sandalwood and turmeric are applied to the cows, and salanga bells are tied around their necks and decorated with garlands. Mattu Pongal is celebrated the day after the “Thai” festival of Pongal.
Kaanum Pongal: This is the festival where people come together to celebrate the prosperity and prosperity of the harvest season. It is also a time to see friends and family, exchange gifts and participate in social gatherings. Overall, Kanum Pongal is a joyous and vibrant festival that is an integral part of Tamil culture and tradition.
Hence Pongal festival is considered as a deep-rooted connection between nature and the people of Southern India. As families come together to celebrate the harvest and express gratitude, Pongal becomes a symbol of hope, unity, and the timeless cycle of life and agriculture.
