Tue Jan 14 04:33:51 UTC 2025: ## Pongal Festival Begins in South India

**Chennai, January 14, 2025** – The four-day Pongal harvest festival, one of South India’s most important celebrations, commenced today. Observed across Tamil Nadu, Pongal marks the arrival of the new harvest and honors the Sun God. This year’s festivities, coinciding with Makar Sankranti in North India, Lohri in Punjab, and Uttarayan in Gujarat, run from January 14th to 17th.

The festival begins with Bhogi Pongal (January 14th), a day dedicated to cleaning homes and discarding old belongings, symbolizing the removal of negativity and environmental cleansing. The main day, Surya Pongal (January 15th), features the worship of the sun and the preparation of Pongal, a sweet rice dish, celebrating the new harvest. Mattu Pongal (January 16th) is dedicated to cattle, crucial to agricultural life, with special prayers and offerings given to the animals. The festival concludes with Kaanum Pongal (January 17th), a day for family reunions and social gatherings.

Pongal is a significant cultural and agricultural event, deeply rooted in Tamil traditions and celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion.

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