Festival guide
Pongal
பொங்கல்
Four-day Tamil harvest festival thanking the Sun God.
At a glance
How is Pongal dated?
Pongal is an annual Hindu observance whose Gregorian date can change each year. Samvat calculates each year's date from its sankranti Panchang rule; choose a year for the exact date and tithi.
Also known as: Thai Pongal.
Yearly reference
Pongal dates by year
Choose a year for the exact Gregorian date, Hindu date, observance rule, and related calendar links.
Why this date?
Coincides with Makar Sankranti when the Sun enters Makara (Capricorn) rashi. This solar event marks the harvest season in Tamil Nadu, occurring around January 14-15.
Learn how Hindu calendar dates are calculatedPongal tithi and Panchang details
Date determined by
Solar ingress (Sankranti)Category
Regional festivalNakshatra
AnuradhaDietary practice
Vegetarian foodSignificance
Celebrates the harvest season. Pongal means "boiling over" symbolizing abundance.
Traditions and Regions
Traditions
Observed in
Common questions
How is Pongal dated?
Pongal is an annual Hindu observance whose Gregorian date can change each year. Samvat calculates each year's date from its sankranti Panchang rule; choose a year for the exact date and tithi.
What is the tithi for Pongal?
The Hindu date is calculated separately each year from the tithi, paksha, and Hindu month for Pongal. Choose a year above to see the details.
Can the date differ by city?
Yes. Panchang values depend on sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and timezone. Samvat's public festival page uses an India-baseline calculation; local observance can differ by city, sampradaya, or family tradition.