Pongal 2021: Know significance, dates, muhurat of this Tamil harvest festival

Pongal is the harvest festival of Tamil Nadu which will be celebrated from January 13 to January 16. Pongal is dedicated to the Sun God or Surya Dev is celebrated over four days. Pongal translates to "spilling over" and the festival derives its name from the tradition of boiling rice, milk and jaggery in a pot till it starts overflowing. The festivities begin Bogi Pandigai when people decorate their houses and offices. The second day is the main day of Pongal, which is celebrated as Thai Pongal when people perform special puja to seek the blessings of the Sun God. Traditionally, people spill milk while preparing Pongal as it is considered a sign of prosperity.

The third day of Pongal is called Mattu Pongal when the farmers decorate their cattle and worship them. The fourth and final day of Pongal is Kaanum Pongal when people gather for a celebration with a traditional meal.

Pongal 2021: Days and dates

The first day is called Bhogi Pandigai: Wednesday, January 13

The main day is called Thai Pongal or Surya Pongal: Thursday, January 14

Thai Pongal Sankranti moment is 8:29 AM

The third day is called Mattu Pongal: Friday, January 15

The last day is called Kaanum Pongal: Saturday, January 16

Households wear a festive look, people also dress up in new clothes. Traditional delicacies are an integral part of the festivities. Special food items like medu vada, avial, rasam, beetroot pachadi, sakkarai pongal and moong dal payasam are also prepared during the four days of Pongal.