See below for the Pongal Festival 2025 Date Timings Tamil Calendar, How to do Makara Sankramana Pooja at Home, Pooja Items List and More.
Pongal Festival 2025: Date, Puja Timings, and More
Pongal is a vibrant and important harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu with great fanfare and devotion. It is a time to give thanks to the Sun God for a bountiful harvest. Here, we explore all you need to know about Pongal Festival 2025. Pongal is celebrated over four days, each day having its own unique significance and rituals. The festival begins with Bhogi Pongal, followed by Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and concludes with Kaanum Pongal. This is the brief information about the Pongal Festival 2025 Date Timings Tamil Calendar in detail.
Pongal Festival 2025 Date Timings Tamil Calendar
Pongal 2025 will commence on January 15 and continue until January 18. The highlight of the festival, Thai Pongal, will be observed on January 15. It marks the end of the winter solstice and the start of the sun’s journey northward.
Tamil Calendar Details
Pongal falls in the Tamil month of Thai, which begins on the second day of the festival. This is a time of renewal and is considered very auspicious for new beginnings.
How to Perform Makara Sankramana Pooja at Home
To perform the Makara Sankramana Pooja:
- Preparation: Clean your home and set up a small altar.
- Pooja Items: Gather items such as turmeric, rice, jaggery, milk, and a new clay pot.
- Steps:
- Begin by cooking the traditional Pongal dish in an open space.
- Offer it to the Sun God as a token of gratitude.
- Decorate the pot with turmeric and flowers.
Pooja Items List
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Turmeric | Purity and Blessings |
| Rice | Main Ingredient for Pongal |
| Jaggery | Sweetness and Prosperity |
| Milk | Abundance |
| Clay Pot | Traditional Cooking |
Tarpanam Timings and Vidhi
Tarpanam is performed to honor ancestors. The best time for this ritual is during the early morning hours of Thai Pongal. Offer water mixed with sesame seeds to the Sun while reciting mantras.
Dress Code
Traditional attire is preferred during Pongal. Women typically wear sarees, while men don dhotis. Bright and colorful clothes are encouraged to reflect the joy of the festival.
Rules and Regulations
- Engage in charitable activities.
- Avoid using plastic or non-biodegradable materials in decorations.
- Follow the rituals with sincerity and devotion.
Danam and Offerings
Charity is a key aspect of Pongal. Giving food, clothes, and other essentials to the needy is considered auspicious and brings blessings.
Fasting and Food Details
Fasting is not mandatory, but many choose to eat simple vegetarian meals. Foods prepared include the traditional sweet and savory Pongal, vada, and payasam.
Prasadam Offering Details
| Prasadam Item | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Sweet Pongal | Rice, Jaggery, Milk |
| Vada | Lentils, Spices |
| Payasam | Milk, Rice, Sugar |
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s:
- Participate in the community cook-off.
- Share the Pongal meal with neighbors and family.
- Decorate your home with kolams.
Don’ts:
- Avoid alcohol and non-vegetarian food during the festival.
- Do not waste food or resources.
Things to Know
Pongal is not just a festival of food and fun; it is a time to reflect on the blessings of nature and give thanks. It’s a festival of unity, bringing families together to celebrate life’s abundance.
FAQs
What is Pongal?
- Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated to thank the Sun God for the agricultural abundance.
How is Pongal different from Makar Sankranti?
- Pongal is more specific to Tamil Nadu, focusing on the harvest, while Makar Sankranti is celebrated across India, marking the sun’s transition into Capricorn.
What is the main dish prepared during Pongal?
- The main dish is a sweet rice pudding known as Pongal, cooked with rice, milk, and jaggery.
Celebrate Pongal 2025 with enthusiasm, embracing the traditions and the spirit of gratitude. Whether you’re cooking the traditional dishes or spending time with family, Pongal is a time to cherish the simple joys and the abundance of life.
Click here for the Pongal Festival 2025 Date Timings Tamil Calendar