History of Pongal and Lohri

Pongal and Lohri

Pongal is the first day of Uttarayana and coincides with the beginning of the Tamil month of Thai.

Pongal is one of the most popular harvest festivals of Tamil Nadu. Pongal occurs in mid January each year and marks the beginning of Uttarayana (sun is journey northwards). The Pongal festival lasts for four days. Celebrations include a drawing of Kolam, swinging & the cooking of delicious Pongal.

This day coincides with Makara Sankranti. Pongal is also commemorated by Jallikattuas a part of festivities as a sport of valor

The festival is celebrated mostly on January 14 of the Gregorian calendar