Happy New Year 2025

Tag: Pongal

  • Mattu Pongal 2025 Wishes and Greetings: Share Messages, Quotes, HD Images and Wallpapers to Celebrate the Third Day of the Harvest Festival

    Mattu Pongal 2025 Wishes and Greetings: Share Messages, Quotes, HD Images and Wallpapers to Celebrate the Third Day of the Harvest Festival

    Mattu Pongal is celebrated every year in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Mattu Pongal is part of the state’s auspicious and significant harvest festival. Mattu Pongal 2025 falls on Thursday, January 16. It is celebrated with a lot of joy and enthusiasm. The day is marked by various traditions, customs, and rituals. Mattu Pongal is dedicated to domestic animals and the cattle that play a major role in agriculture. Animals like cows and bulls are adorned with garlands and flowers and bathed. They are taken for processions and fed sweets and fruits as people express their gratitude towards them. To celebrate, share Mattu Pongal 2025 wishes, greetings, images, and wallpapers. When Is Thai Pongal 2025? Here’s the Date, Sankranti Moment, Shubh Muhurat, Puja Vidhi and Significance You Should Know To Celebrate Pongal Festival.

    Mattu Pongal Wishes

    Mattu Pongal Wishes (Photo Credits: File Photo)

    Mattu Pongal Greetings

    Mattu Pongal Wishes (Photo Credits: File Photo)

    Mattu Pongal Images

    Mattu Pongal Wishes (Photo Credits: File Photo)

    Mattu Pongal Messages

    Mattu Pongal Wishes (Photo Credits: File Photo)

    Mattu Pongal Wallpapers

    Mattu Pongal Wishes (Photo Credits: File Photo)

    (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter (X), Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user’s social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)

  • Bhogi 2025 Date: Know Sankranti Time, Rituals and Significance To Celebrate the First Day of Pongal Festival

    Bhogi 2025 Date: Know Sankranti Time, Rituals and Significance To Celebrate the First Day of Pongal Festival

    Bhogi Pandigai is the first day of the four-day Pongal festival that is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm in South India. In Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu, Sankranti is celebrated for four days and Bhogi Pongal marks the start of the festival. Bhogi Pongal falls on last day of Agrahayaṇa or Margasirṣa month of Hindu Solar Calendar, which is January 13 as per the Gregorian calendar. It is the day before Makar Sankranti, celebrated widely in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. Bhogi Pandigai 2025 falls on Monday, January 13. The Bhogi Sankranti Moment is at 09:03 AM on January 14. Pongal 2025 Dates: Why Is Pongal Celebrated? Bhogi Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Other Traditions, Rituals, Delicious Recipes and More To Know. 

    On this occasion, people clean their homes, remove clutter, and discard unwanted items in a symbolic act of renewal. In this article, let’s know more about Bhogi 2025 date, rituals, celebrations and the significance of the auspicious occasion.

    Bhogi 2025 Date and Sankranti Timing

    • Bhogi Pandigai 2025 falls on Monday, January 13, 2025.

    • The Bhogi Sankranti Moment is at 09:03 AM on January 14.

    Bhogi Celebrations and Rituals

    • On the day of Bhogi Pandigai, people discard old and derelict things and concentrate on new things causing change or transformation.

    • People wake up before dawn and light bonfire, popularly known as Bhogi Mantalu, with wood and other solid fuels. This fire signifies the end of negativity and old things and starting the New Year afresh.

    • Derelict wooden items at home are offered to the fire as a Bhogi ritual.

    • On this day, homes are cleaned, and entrances are adorned with fresh mango leaves, turmeric plants, and colourful rangoli designs.

    • Devotees prepare special dishes using newly harvested crops, such as rice and sugarcane, and offer them to deities.

    Bhogi Pandigai Significance

    Bhogi Pandigai is a day dedicated to discarding the old and welcoming the new. The day of Bhogi Pongal marks the end of the year’s accounts and the beginning of new accounts on the first day of the harvest on the following day. Lord Indra is worshipped during the Pongal festival for good rains and a bountiful harvest.  Kaappu Kattu, a tradition of tying leaves of Azadirachta indica, Senna auriculata, Aerva lanata in the roofs of houses and residential areas is practiced in Kongu Nadu.

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 13, 2025 06:50 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

  • Bhogi Pandigai 2025 Wishes: Share Happy Bhogi Greetings With These WhatsApp Images, HD Wallpapers, Messages and Quotes on the First Day of Pongal

    Bhogi Pandigai 2025 Wishes: Share Happy Bhogi Greetings With These WhatsApp Images, HD Wallpapers, Messages and Quotes on the First Day of Pongal

    Bhogi Pandigai, also known as Bhogi Pongal, marks the beginning of the Pongal festival in Tamil Nadu and is celebrated on the last day of the Tamil month of Margazhi (January 13). Dedicated to Lord Indra, the god of rain and prosperity, the festival symbolises gratitude for a bountiful harvest and the renewal of life. It is an occasion for families to come together and celebrate with joy and devotion. Bhogi Pandigai 2025 is on January 13 and to celebrate the official beginning of Pongal festival, we bring you Bhogi Pandigai 2025 wishes, Happy Bhogi greetings, images, HD wallpapers, messages and quotes to share with your friends and family. Bhogi Pandigai 2025: Know Bhogi Date, Sankranti Time, Significance and Rituals To Celebrate the First Day of Pongal Festival. 

    Bhogi Pandigai begins with ritual cleaning and purification of homes. People discard old and unused items, symbolising the removal of negativity and the welcoming of new beginnings. These discarded items are often burned in a bonfire, which is a central part of the celebration. The bonfire represents the victory of positivity over negativity and the renewal of hope for the future.  As you observe Bhogi Pandigai 2025, share these Bhogi Pandigai 2025 wishes, Happy Bhogi greetings, images, HD wallpapers, messages and quotes. Makar Sankranti 2025 Calendar: Know Dates of Pongal, Magh Bihu, Lohri, Khichdi Parv and More To Celebrate the Harvest Festival in India. 

    Bhogi Pandigai Wishes (Photo Credits: File Image)

    WhatsApp Message Reads: May Your Life Be Filled With Warmth and Happiness on This Auspicious Day of Bhogi and Always. Happy Bhogi!

    Bhogi Pandigai Wishes (Photo Credits: File Image)

    WhatsApp Message Reads: Wishing You and Your Family a Bhogi Filled With Joy, Prosperity, and Abundance.

    Bhogi Pandigai Wishes (Photo Credits: File Image)

    WhatsApp Message Reads: On the Blissful Occasion of Bhogi, I Pray for Your Good Health and Lasting Prosperity. Happy Bhogi Pandigai!

    Bhogi Pandigai Wishes (Photo Credits: File Image)

    WhatsApp Message Reads: Let’s Burn Our Worries and Embrace Hope This Bhogi. Wishing You Peace and Happiness.

    Bhogi Pandigai Wishes (Photo Credits: File Image)

    WhatsApp Message Reads: May the Divine Flames of Bhogi Radiate Joy and Prosperity in Your Life.

    Traditional activities include decorating homes with rangoli (kolam) made of rice flour and festive designs, symbolising prosperity. Families prepare special dishes like Bhogi Pongal, a sweet rice dish, and other traditional delicacies. Farmers worship their tools and cattle, acknowledging their contribution to the harvest. The day is also marked by prayers and rituals to thank the gods for blessings and seek prosperity in the coming year.

    Bhogi Pandigai is more than a harvest festival; it is a celebration of renewal, gratitude, and togetherness. It reminds people of the importance of letting go of the past to embrace the future with positivity. As the first day of the Pongal festivities, it sets the tone for the days of celebration that follow, spreading joy and harmony across communities.

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 13, 2025 05:27 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

  • Bhogi 2025 Date, Time and Significance of Bhogi Pallu and Bhogi Mantalu: Know All About Bhogi Pandigai and Bhogi Pongal, the First Day of Sankranti Festivities and Celebrations

    Bhogi 2025 Date, Time and Significance of Bhogi Pallu and Bhogi Mantalu: Know All About Bhogi Pandigai and Bhogi Pongal, the First Day of Sankranti Festivities and Celebrations

    Bhogi Pandigai, or Bhogi Pongal, also known simply as Bhogi, marks the beginning of the four-day Sankranti celebrations in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. In these regions, Sankranti is not just a single day of celebration but spans four days, each with distinct customs and rituals. Bhogi 2025 date falls on Monday, January 25. There are so many important things to know about Bhogi, such as Bhogi Pallu and Bhogi Mantalu (bonfires), along with other key details around rituals and the significance of the first day of the Sankranti festival. Makar Sankranti 2025 Calendar: Know Dates of Pongal, Magh Bihu, Lohri, Khichdi Parv and More To Celebrate the Harvest Festival in India.

    Bhogi Pandigai 2025 Date & Sankranti Moment

    In 2025, Bhogi Pandigai will be observed on Monday, January 13, and the Bhogi Sankranti moment will occur at 09:03 AM on January 14.

    The four-day Sankranti festival is as follows:

    • Day 1: Bhogi (Bhogi Pandigai)

    • Day 2: Makara Sankranti (Pedda Panduga in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Pongal in Tamil Nadu)

    • Day 3: Kanuma Panduga in Andhra Pradesh and Mattu Pongal in Tamil Nadu

    • Day 4: Mukkanuma in Andhra Pradesh and Kaanum Pongal in Tamil Nadu

    Bhogi Pandigai: A Day of Renewal and Gratitude

    The first day of Sankranti celebrations, Bhogi, is a day to cleanse and prepare for the coming year by discarding old, unused items. It is an occasion to let go of the past and welcome new beginnings. Traditionally, people wake up before dawn to celebrate with a grand bonfire, known as Bhogi Mantalu, which is made from wood and other solid fuels. Derelict wooden items, often gathered from around the house, are offered to the fire as part of a cleansing ritual. The fire symbolizes the burning away of the old to make way for the new.

    On this day, it’s also customary to set off crackers early in the morning, adding to the festive atmosphere.

    Bhogi Pallu: A Tradition of Blessings for Children

    A unique aspect of Bhogi Pandigai, particularly in Telugu families, is the ritual of Bhogi Pallu, which is performed for children aged three to six. Children are dressed in bright, colourful outfits, often wearing traditional attire such as Langa-Voni for girls. A mix of Regi Pallu (Indian jujube fruit), Senagalu (soaked black grams), flower petals, pieces of sugarcane, jaggery, and even coins are showered upon them. The ceremony is believed to protect the children from the evil eye, bring them prosperity, and bless them with long and healthy lives. In addition to Bhogi Pallu, the ritual of Ariselu Adugulu is also carried out. Ariselu, a sweet dish made of rice, is placed on the floor, and small children are encouraged to walk over it. This ceremony marks the joyous occasion when a child takes its first steps.

    Rangoli and Bommala-Koluvu: Celebrating the Spirit of Bhogi

    On Bhogi day, the festivities extend to the decoration of homes with Rangoli. Many communities organize Rangoli competitions, where intricate and colourful designs are created using bright hues of powders and flower petals. These beautiful designs are drawn outside homes and buildings, symbolizing prosperity and welcome. Another popular tradition during Bhogi is the display of Bommala-Koluvu, a traditional arrangement of dolls and figurines, often showcased in tiered displays in homes. The display is a part of the festivities and is a sign of good fortune for the coming year.

    Feasting and Sharing Joy

    As with many traditional festivals, food plays an essential role in Bhogi celebrations. Sweets such as Ariselu, til laddoos and other delicacies are prepared in abundance and shared among family and friends. The spirit of Bhogi is one of community, sharing, and gratitude as families come together to celebrate the festival with delicious food and lively conversations.

    Bhogi Pandigai is a day filled with rituals that bring people together to celebrate the end of the old and the arrival of new beginnings. Whether it’s the cleansing fire of Bhogi Mantalu (bonfire), the blessings of Bhogi Pallu for children, or the colourful rangolis that brighten up homes, this day sets the tone for the rest of the Sankranti festivities, bringing warmth, joy, and hope for the year ahead.

    (Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on beliefs and legends only. Before applying any information in real life, consult the concerned expert.)

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 12, 2025 04:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

  • When Is Thai Pongal 2025? Here’s the Date, Sankranti Moment, Shubh Muhurat, Puja Vidhi and Significance You Should Know To Celebrate Pongal Festival

    When Is Thai Pongal 2025? Here’s the Date, Sankranti Moment, Shubh Muhurat, Puja Vidhi and Significance You Should Know To Celebrate Pongal Festival

    Thai Pongal 2025 will be observed on January 14. It is the most important day in the four-day Pongal festivity. This day is also celebrated as Sankranti in other parts of the country. The celebration of Thai Pongal is marked with great fervour and enthusiasm by the people of Tamil Nadu. People prepare to celebrate this day by making the traditional pongal at temples and other community spaces and bringing people together. As we prepare to celebrate Thai Pongal 2025, here is everything you need to know about this day, how to celebrate Thai Pongal and its significance. Pongal 2025 Dates: Why Is Pongal Celebrated? Bhogi Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Other Traditions, Rituals, Delicious Recipes and More. 

    When is Thai Pongal 2025?

    Thai Pongal will be celebrated on January 14. This festival is said to mark the end of winter solstice and commemorates the time that the days get longer. Pongal is also seen as a harvest festival, which celebrates the bountiful winter harvest. The Sankranti moment on Thai Pongal 2025 will be marked at 08.55 AM, it is believed to be the most auspicious time to make pongal that is offered to the almighty. Makar Sankranti 2025 Calendar: Know Dates of Pongal, Magh Bihu, Lohri, Khichdi Parv and More To Celebrate the Harvest Festival in India. 

    Thai Pongal Puja Vidhi and Significance

    Thai Pongal is an integral part of the four-day Pongal festivity that is marked across Tamil Nadu. On this day, people across the country make a special treat with rice, milk and jaggery that is intentionally boiled over (pongal in Tamil). This ritual is believed to signify the overflowing wealth and wellness that the coming year has in store for us. People often chant the phrase “Pongal-O-Pongal” as they watch the delicacy overflow.

    Every year, there are grand Pongal events organised across the state where people come together as a community and make this auspicious offering. Additionally, the days around Thai Pongal are also celebrated with various activities and observances. The days around Thai Pongal are Bhogi (January 13), Mattu Pongal (January 15) and Kaanum Pongal (January 16). We hope that Pongal 2025 brings with it the love, light and happiness that you deserve. Happy Pongal!

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 11, 2025 01:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

  • Pongal 2025 School Holiday: Check Dates for School Holidays in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh for Thai Pongal and Makar Sankranti

    Pongal 2025 School Holiday: Check Dates for School Holidays in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh for Thai Pongal and Makar Sankranti

    An extended school holiday schedule has been announced in Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh on account of Pongal 2025 and Makar Sankranti 2025. The Tamil Nadu government has declared a holiday on January 14 for all schools, colleges and government offices in view of Pongal. In addition to this, there will be holidays on January 15 for Thiruvallur and January 16 for Uzhavar Thirunal. Since many students and employees have to travel to their native place for the festival, January 17 has also been declared a holiday. Schools and colleges will also remain shut on January 18 (Saturday) and January 19 (Sunday). In Telangana, schools will be closed on January 13 for Bhogi and on January 14 for Pongal, Sankranti and birthday of Hazrat Ali. There is an optional holiday on January 15 for Kanumu. For colleges, the holidays will start on January 11 and will continue till January 16. In Andhra Pradesh, the holidays will begin on January 10 and continue till January 19. Pongal 2025 Dates: Why Is Pongal Celebrated? Bhogi Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Other Traditions, Rituals, Delicious Recipes and More To Know About the Harvest Festival in Tamil Nadu.

    Pongal School Holidays in Tamil Nadu and Telangana

    (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter (X), Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user’s social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)

  • When Is Bhogi Pandigai 2025? Know Bhogi Date, Sankranti Time, Significance and Rituals To Celebrate the First Day of Pongal Festival

    When Is Bhogi Pandigai 2025? Know Bhogi Date, Sankranti Time, Significance and Rituals To Celebrate the First Day of Pongal Festival

    Bhogi Pandigai 2025 will be celebrated on January 13. This annual commemoration is marked around Makar Sankranti and is celebrated as the first day of Pongal celebrations in South India. Bhogi is marked with great fervour and enthusiasm by people in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana and is celebrated as a way to declutter our homes and get rid of the things that are weighing us down. It is an important part of Pongal celebrations, which is known as a harvest festival in Tamil Nadu. As we prepare to celebrate Bhogi Pandigai 2025, here is everything you need to know about this day, how to celebrate Bhogi Pandigai and more. When Is Makar Sankranti 2025? Is It on 14 or 15 January? Know the Exact Date, Punya Kala Time, Significance and Rituals. 

    Bhogi Pandigai 2025 Date and Bhogi Sankranti Moment

    Bhogi Pandigai 2025 will be marked on January 13. Bhogi is celebrated on last day of Agrahāyaṇa or Mārgaśīrṣa month of the Hindu Solar Calendar. It is usually the day before Makar Sankranti. The Bhogi 2025 Sankranti moment is at 09:03 AM on January 14.

    Bhogi Significance and Rituals

    Bhogi celebrations usually help people to mark the first day of Pongal festivities. Pongal is a four-day harvest festival that is celebrated across South India with great fervour and enthusiasm. On the occasion of Bhogi, people usually make special delicacies like Puran Poli, Dal vada, etc. It is also customary to discard old things that are no longer of use and people get up before dawn and light a bonfire, famously known as Bhogi Mantalu, with wood and other solid fuels. Makar Sankranti 2025 Calendar: Know Dates of Pongal, Magh Bihu, Lohri, Khichdi Parv and More To Celebrate the Harvest Festival in India. 

    On the occasion of Bhogi, people also organise and participate in rangoli compeitionsa dn decorate their homes to welcome the bountiful harvest of the season. Bhogi celebration is often seen as an opportunity for people to cleanse their homes of the weight of things that are no longer serving their purpose. We hope that Bhogi 2025 brings with it the love, light and happiness that you and your family deserves.

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 08, 2025 05:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

  • Pongal 2025 School Holidays: Tamil Nadu and Telangana Declare Sankaranti Holiday To Celebrate Harvest Festival, Check Dates and Other Details

    Pongal 2025 School Holidays: Tamil Nadu and Telangana Declare Sankaranti Holiday To Celebrate Harvest Festival, Check Dates and Other Details

    Pongal, also called Thai Pongal, is a significant and auspicious harvest festival celebrated in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The four-day festival marks the start of the Thai month in the Tamil calendar. It is celebrated every year in a grand way and with a lot of joy and devotion by the people of the state. Pongal marks the end of the winters and the start of the harvest season in India. During the festival, devotees worship Lord Surya and other deities for their blessings and agricultural abundance. Families get together and prepare traditional delicacies like Pongal, sakkarai Pongal, payasam, and more as part of the celebrations. Pongal 2025 Dates: Why Is Pongal Celebrated? Bhogi Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Other Traditions, Rituals, Delicious Recipes and More To Know About the Harvest Festival in Tamil Nadu.

    It is a time of ritualistic offerings, feasts, and joy, especially for farmers. Families get together, clean their spaces, and decorate homes with lamps and beautiful kolam designs and prepare traditional Pongal foods. On account of the occasion, the government has declared holidays for schools and colleges. Check the dates below.

    Pongal 2025 Dates

    Pongal is celebrated over a span of four days. The first day of the celebration is called Bhogi Pongal. Bhogi Pongal 2025 falls on Tuesday, January 14. The second day of the celebration is called Surya Pongal. Surya Pongal 2025 falls on Wednesday, January 15. The third day of the celebration is Maatu Pongal. Maatu Pongal 2025 falls on Thursday, January 16. The fourth and last day of the celebration is known as Kaanum Pongal, and it falls on Friday, January 17.

    Pongal 2025 Holiday Dates

    Due to the festival, the state government had declared a holiday from January 14–16 for schools, colleges, and government offices. However, in response to many sections from the state, January 17 too has been declared a holiday. An official press release states that as Pongal 2025 falls on January 14, it will be a holiday followed by holidays on January 15 for Thiruvallur and 16 for Uzhavar Thirunal. But as many students and employees travel to their native place for the festival, January 17 has also been declared a holiday, considering their requests.

    This creates an extended six-day holiday for the festival, as January 18 and 19 are Saturday and Sunday, respectively. However, to make up for the 17th, all education institutions in the state will remain operational on the 25th. In Telangana too, schools will remain closed from January 13 to 17, providing students with a seven-day festive break for Pongal 2025. Tamil Nadu Government Holiday List For Pongal 2025: State Govt Employees to Enjoy Extended Holiday, Check Dates and Other Details Here.

    Pongal 2025 Holiday Dates

    The festival holds immense cultural as well as religious significance in the state. The extended holiday period not only aims to enable families to celebrate the festival together; it also aims to facilitate smooth travel for students and families returning to their homes for Pongal 2025.

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 08, 2025 04:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

  • Pongal 2025 Dates: Why Is Pongal Celebrated? Bhogi Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Other Traditions, Rituals, Delicious Recipes and More To Know About the Harvest Festival in Tamil Nadu

    Pongal 2025 Dates: Why Is Pongal Celebrated? Bhogi Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Other Traditions, Rituals, Delicious Recipes and More To Know About the Harvest Festival in Tamil Nadu

    Pongal, also called Thai Pongal, is a four-day harvest festival celebrated in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Pongal 2025 begins on January 14 and concludes on January 17. It is celebrated with a lot of joy and devotion. It marks the end of the winter season and the start of the harvest season and is usually held in mid-January. It also marks the start of the Tamil month of Thai, which is considered auspicious. The festival lasts for four days. During the festival, families come together for gatherings and feasts and celebrate their agricultural roots. The festival has been named after the ceremonial dish ‘Pongal,’ which means to boil and overflow. This dish is made from harvested rice and boiled in milk with jaggery. This is then offered to Lord Surya. During the festival, people honour their ancestors as well as farm animals. Pongal 2025: 15,000 Buses To Run in State As Tamil Nadu Gears Up for Biggest Festival With Special Bus Services and Gift Hampers.

    Pongal 2025 Dates

    Pongal 2025 begins on Tuesday, January 14 and concludes on Friday, January 17.

    Pongal Celebrations

    Pongal is celebrated in a major way in Tamil Nadu. It is celebrated over four days, with each day being dedicated to different rituals and traditions. The four days of the Thai Pongal festival are Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal, Maatu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal.

    Bhogi Pongal

    The first day of the festival is called Bhogi Pongal. Bhogi Pongal 2025 falls on Tuesday, January 14. On this day, people clean their homes and dispose of old belongings. Homes are decorated for the festivities, and new clothes are worn.

    Surya Pongal

    Surya Pongal is the second day of the festival, and it is the main celebration. Surya Pongal 2025 falls on Wednesday, January 15. Lord Surya is honoured on this day, and devotees adorn their homes with colourful kolam patterns and designs. In addition, the Pongal is also cooked according to auspicious timings, with families chanting ‘Pongalo Pongal.’ Families feast together after the Pongal is offered to Lord Surya.

    Maatu Pongal

    This is the third day of the festival, and the cattle are honoured and worshipped on this day. Maatu Pongal 2025 falls on Thursday, January 16. On this day, farm animals are adorned with flower garlands, multi-coloured beads, and bells and bathed.

    Kaanum Pongal

    This is the fourth and last day of the festival. Kaanum Pongal 2025 falls on Friday, January 17. It is dedicated to the community and strengthening ties. On this day, families gather for a sumptuous meal, and younger members seek blessings from elders in the family. Traditional performances like mayilattam and kolattam are performed.

    Pongal Rituals

    Some common Pongal rituals include decorating homes with colourful kolams. People also offer prayers to Lord Surya for a good harvest. Farm animals are worshipped, honoured, and offered special treats. Families also remember their ancestors with prayers and offerings. The main ritual of the festival is cooking the traditional Pongal dish made of rice, milk, and jaggery.

    Pongal Delicious Foods

    There are many traditional delicacies enjoyed during the festival. The must-have dish for the festival is Pongal. It is a dish prepared with rice, milk, and jaggery. It is enhanced with ingredients like cumin, ghee, pepper, and cashews. Another dish that is usually enjoyed during Pongal is sakkari Pongal, a sweet dish made using rice, lentils, ghee, jaggery, and nuts and raisins. Ven Pongal is a simpler version of Pongal. It is eaten without jaggery, but it is a very comforting dish.

    The medhu vadai is another crispy snack that is enjoyed by all! It is prepared using black gram and seasoned with spices, and it is eaten with chutney. No Pongal celebration is complete without payasam, a traditional South Indian dessert. The creamy sweet dish is cooked with milk, jaggery, nuts, and cardamom, and it is a festive favourite. Tamil Nadu Government Holiday List For Pongal 2025: State Govt Employees to Enjoy Extended Holiday, Check Dates and Other Details Here.

    Pongal is celebrated on a grand scale in Tamil Nadu. It is a festival that celebrates the bond between nature and people. It is also a time for families to come together and share joy and traditions.

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 07, 2025 04:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

  • Pongal 2025: 15,000 Buses To Run in State As Tamil Nadu Gears Up for Biggest Festival With Special Bus Services and Gift Hampers

    Pongal 2025: 15,000 Buses To Run in State As Tamil Nadu Gears Up for Biggest Festival With Special Bus Services and Gift Hampers

    Chennai, January 5: With Pongal, Tamil Nadu’s biggest festival, set to be celebrated on January 15, the State Transport Corporation will operate 15,000 special buses for travellers heading to their hometowns for the holidays. The service will be from January 10 to 13. To curb the exploitation of passengers by omnibus operators charging extra fares, the Tamil Nadu Transport Department has formed 30 inspection teams.

    These teams will begin statewide inspections this week. In cases of violations, they have been authorised to impose penalties, seize buses, and temporarily revoke permits as punitive measures. Out of the 15,000 special buses planned, 12,000 will run from Chennai to various destinations, supplementing the 2,092 buses that already operate daily. Passengers can board these buses from the termini at Kilambakkam, Koyambedu, and Madhavaram. Tamil Nadu Government Holiday List For Pongal 2025: State Govt Employees to Enjoy Extended Holiday, Check Dates and Other Details Here.

    As the festive season approaches, all trains departing from Chennai to southern districts are fully booked, and bus reservations are rapidly increasing. Officials report that over 75,000 reservations have already been made, with numbers expected to rise significantly starting January 6. Public holidays for Pongal have been declared from January 14 to 16, creating a six-day break, including the weekend on January 18 and 19.

    A meeting led by Transport Minister S.S. Sivasankar on January 6 will finalise plans for the special bus operations, with a formal announcement expected afterwards. Pongal, one of Tamil Nadu’s most significant festivals, also sees the state government distributing gift hampers to ration cardholders. These hampers typically include dhotis, sarees, and essential items to help families celebrate without financial strain. Makar Sankranti 2025 Calendar: Know Dates of Pongal, Magh Bihu, Lohri, Khichdi Parv and More To Celebrate the Harvest Festival in India.

    This year’s gift hamper is expected to include Rs 1,000 in cash, one kilogram of rice, sugar, tamarind, and sugarcane, along with 21 essential festival items. To address inefficiencies in past distributions, the government is considering direct bank transfers for the cash component. If bank transfer challenges arise, funds will be distributed through ration shops as done traditionally.

    Special tokens will be issued to ration cardholders to avoid overcrowding during the distribution. Tamil Nadu government has allocated Rs 100 crore for the production of 1.77 crore dhotis and an equal number of sarees. These will be distributed to ration cardholders and beneficiaries under the Old Age Pension Scheme. The government has also decided to use cotton yarn for the 2024-25 production cycle and introduce polyester yarn for the 2025-26 cycle. This initiative benefits 63,000 powerlooms across the state. Compared to last year’s production of one crore dhotis and 1.24 crore sarees, this year will see an increase of 77 lakh dhotis and 53 lakh sarees.

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 05, 2025 01:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).