Pongal Festival Significance and Dates in 2024
Pongal is a popular harvest festival celebrated in South India. It is also known as the ‘Festival of the Sun’ and is observed in the month of Thai (January-February). Pongal celebrations last for four days and each day has a different name and significance. The first day of Pongal is called Bhogi, the second day is Surya Pongal, the third day is Mattu Pongal and the fourth day is Kaanum Pongal.
Pongal is celebrated to thank the Sun God – Surya – for bestowing the bountiful harvest. Farmers offer prayers and prepare special dishes on this occasion. On Surya Pongal, people wake up early and take a holy bath. They wear new clothes and offer prayers to the Sun God, seeking his blessings. A special dish called ‘Pongal’ is prepared on this day using rice, milk, and sugar. This dish is offered to the Sun God as part of the puja ritual.
The third day of Pongal is known as Mattu Pongal, which is dedicated to cattle. Cattle are decorated with bells and flowers and are given a special treat of rice, jaggery, and molasses. This day is also marked by games and sports such as bullock cart races and cockfights.
The fourth day of Pongal is known as Kaanum Pongal or Thiruvalluvar Day. On this day, people visit their relatives and friends to exchange gifts and enjoy feasts. Kaanum Pongal is also a time for thanksgiving when people express their gratitude for all the good things in. During Pongal, homes are decorated with kolams (rangoli), fresh flowers, and banana leaves. Families dress up in new clothes and gather together to enjoy feasts and special sweets. They also exchange gifts and visit temples to offer prayers. [Read more]
Pongal Holiday Dates in Tamil Nadu 2024
As per the notification issued by the Tamil Nadu Government on holidays during the year 2024, the holiday list is given in the month of January 2024;
| 01 January 2024 | Monday | New Year’s Day |
| 15 January 2024 | Monday | Pongal |
| 16 January 2024 | Tuesday | Thiruvalluvar Day |
| 17 January 2024 | Wednesday | Uzhavar Thirunal |
| 26 January 2024 | Friday | Republic Day |
For more detailed holidays in Tamil Nadu Click Here
Pongal Holiday Dates, History in Andhra Pradesh 2024
The Pongal holidays in Andhra Pradesh are set to begin on January 14th and continue until January 18th. The festival is celebrated to mark the start of the harvest season and is one of the most important festivals in the state. On Pongal day, families gather together to offer prayers and thanksgiving to the sun god, Surya. They also exchange gifts and enjoy traditional foods.
Sankranti Holiday dates, History in Telangana 2024
The Pongal holidays in Telangana are set to begin on January 14th and end on January 18th, 2024. The festival is celebrated to mark the beginning of the harvest season and is one of the most important festivals in the state. On the first day of the festival, known as Bhogi, people light bonfires and offer prayers to Lord Indra, the god of rain. The second day, known as Sankranti, is when the sun enters the Makara rasi, or Capricorn sign. This day is considered to be auspicious for starting new ventures. People take baths in holy rivers and offer prayers to the sun god, Surya. The third day, known as Mattu Pongal, is dedicated to cattle. Cattle are decorated with flowers and given a special bath. They are also offered food as a thanksgiving for their hard work during the year. The fourth and final day of the festival is known as Kanum Pongal. This day is devoted to family and friends, and people exchange gifts and enjoy feasts together.
Sankranti School Holidays in Telangana 2024
Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti, is a major festival celebrated in Telangana and other parts of India. In 2024, Sankranti falls on January 14th, which is a Monday. As per the Telangana government’s academic calendar, schools will remain closed for the Sankranti holidays from January 12th to January 16th, 2024.
During the Sankranti holidays, students get a break from their regular academic routine and can enjoy the festivities with their families and friends. Many people in Telangana celebrate Sankranti by flying kites, preparing traditional dishes, and participating in cultural activities. The Sankranti holidays offer an opportunity for students to rejuvenate and recharge themselves before returning to school.
Pongal Holiday dates, History in Puducherry, Kerala and Odisha 2024
Pongal is a four-day harvest festival celebrated in the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Kerala. It is also celebrated in the Union Territory of Puducherry. The festival is celebrated from the last day of the Tamil month of Margazhi to the third day of the month of Thai. Pongal 2024 will be celebrated from January 14 to January 17.
The first day of Pongal is Bhogi. On this day, people clean their houses and decorate them with fresh flowers. They also burn old clothes and belongings to signify letting go of the past and starting anew. The second day is Surya Pongal, which is dedicated to the sun god. People offer prayers to the sun god and prepare special dishes like sweet pongal (a rice pudding made with jaggery, milk, and ghee) and ven pongal (a savory dish made with rice, moong dal, ginger, pepper, and cumin).
The third day is Mattu Pongal, which is dedicated to cattle. Cattle are decorated with bells and garlands and given a special bath. This day is also considered to be a Thanksgiving day for all the animals that help us in our daily lives. The fourth and final day is Kaanum Pongal, which is a day for family gatherings and feasting. Pongal is one of the most important festivals in South India. It is a time for family, friends, and community to come together and celebrate the harvest season.
Train Ticket Booking Start Date for Pongal 2024
Commencement of Train Ticket Bookings for Pongal 2024: Pongal, a highly revered festival in South India, is set to be celebrated on January 15, 2023. Recognizing the expected increase in passengers traveling to their hometowns for the festivities, the Indian Railways’ IRCTC has taken proactive steps by initiating train ticket bookings. This initiative aims to ensure convenience and comfort for passengers during their Pongal journeys.
Ticket bookings for travel on January 10 are now open, allowing travelers to secure their seats in advance. Similarly, bookings for January 11 will commence tomorrow (September 13). Passengers planning to travel on January 13 will be able to book their tickets starting from September 15. Furthermore, ticket bookings for travel on January 14, 15, and 16 will commence on September 17.
To find the exact date for advance booking in IRCTC trains, we have provided a hyperlink – Click here.
What is Pongal, Bhogi, and Makar Sankranti?
Pongal, Bhogi, and Makar Sankranti are traditional Hindu festivals celebrated in India. Pongal is a crop festival which marks the start of the harvest season. Bhogi is a festival of renewal and joy and is celebrated by burning old items and replacing them with new ones. Makar Sankranti is a solar event celebrated with kite flying and bonfires.
When is Pongal, Bhogi, and Makar Sankranti celebrated?
Pongal, Bhogi, and Makar Sankranti are celebrated in January or February every year. Pongal is usually celebrated on the 14th of January, Bhogi is celebrated the day before, and Makar Sankranti is celebrated on the day after.
How is Pongal, Bhogi, and Makar Sankranti celebrated?
Pongal is celebrated with the preparation of a special sweet dish known as ‘pongal’. Bhogi is celebrated by burning old items and replacing them with new ones. Makar Sankranti is celebrated with kite flying and bonfires.
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