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Pongal 2023: Date, Time, History, Story Behind the Festival

Published Date: 09-Dec-2022

Pongal is a 4-day harvest festival that is celebrated mostly in the Southern part of the country. The day marks the start of sun’s six-month northwards journey and its movement towards the zodiac Capricorn (Makar). The days hold great value to the people of Tamil Nadu, who thank the Sun God on this day and appreciate it for providing the energy that helps in growing crops.

Pongal History and Significance

15-January-2020 | Pongal 2020

18-January-2023 | Pongal 2023

The history of Pongal dates back to over 2000 years. It is believed that people in the ancient Chola Empire days also used to celebrate the festival.

There are many legends associated with Pongal. One such legend says that Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Mountain on his little finger on the first day of Pongal, Bhogi, to protect people and cattle from the wrath of Lord Indra. Another legend talks about a miracle that Lord Shiva performed, where he made a stone image of an elephant eat a piece of sugarcane.

Pongal Celebrations across India

15-January-2020 | Pongal 2020

18-January-2023 | Pongal 2023

Pongal is celebrated over a span of four days by Tamilians living in Tamil Nadu and outside. In 2023, the festival starts on January 14th and ends on January 17th. The first day of the celebration is known as Bhogi. On this day, people burn their old and unwanted household items and buy new products.

Pongal is celebrated over a span of four days by Tamilians living in Tamil Nadu and outside. The first day of the celebration is known as Bhogi. On this day, people burn their old and unwanted household items and buy new products.

The second day, called Perum Pongal or Surya Pongal, is the most important day as people worship the Sun God and his companions, Chaya and Samgnya. On this day, women of the families decorate their houses with Kolams – designs drawn using rice flour and red clay.

The third day is called Mattu Pongal and is celebrated by worshipping cattle as they are believed to give a good harvest. Kanum Pongal is the fourth and concluding day of the festival and people celebrate it by going for picnics with friends and family, exchange gifts and indulge in dancing and bull taming contests.

Pongal is celebrated as different festivals in different parts of the country. In Punjab, people celebrate Lohri, while in Assam, it is celebrated as Bhogali Bihu.

Find out the Diwali Date 2023

Best Places to Observe Pongal

  • Madurai
  • Thanjavur
  • Pollachi
  • Salem
  • Coimbatore

Other Festivals in India with Holiday Type

Festivals in India Day Date Holiday Type
New Year Sunday 1 January Public
Lohri Saturday 14 January Restricted
Makar Sankranti Saturday 14 January Restricted
Basant Panchmi Thursday 26 January Restricted
Republic Day Thursday 26 January Public
Guru Ravidass Jayanti Sunday 5 February Restricted
Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti Wednesday 15 February Restricted
Mahashivratri Saturday 18 February Restricted
Losar Tuesday 21 February Restricted
Holi Wednesday 8 March Public
Ram Navami Thursday 30 March Restricted
Mahavir Jayanti Tuesday 4 April Restricted
Good Friday Friday 7 April Public
Easter Sunday 9 April Restricted
Vaisakhi Friday 14 April Restricted
Eid Ul Fitr Saturday 22 April Public
Buddha Purnima Friday 5th May Public
Rabindra Jayanti Tuesday 9 May Restricted
Rath Yatra Tuesday 20 June Restricted
Eid Al Adha Thursday 29 June Restricted
Muharram Saturday 29 July Public
Independence Day Tuesday 15 August Public
Parsi New Year Navroz Wednesday 16 August Restricted
Onam Tuesday 29 August Restricted
Raksha Bandhan Wednesday 30 August Restricted
Janmashtami Thursday 7 September Restricted
Ganesh Chaturthi Tuesday 19 September Restricted
Id E Milad Thursday September 28 Public
Gandhi Jayanti Monday 2 October Public
Dussehra Tuesday 24 October Public
Valmiki Jayanti Saturday 28 October Restricted
Karva Chauth Tuesday 31 October Restricted
Diwali Sunday 12 November Public
Bhai Dooj Tuesday 14 November Restricted
Chhath Puja Sunday 19 November Restricted
Guru Nanak Jayanti Monday 27 November Public
Christmas Monday 25 December Public
Sargun Preet Kaur
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