Mattu Pongal 2026: Date, rituals, celebration and significance

Pongal is a four day festival, which is mainly celebrated in different regions of South Indian. In North India, the festival is celebrated as Makar Sankranti when Sun changes its position and move from Southern node to Northern node and changes its place from one zodiac to another. This day is considered the most auspicious day when people celebrate the rich harvest and show their gratitude to the divine energies by performing various rituals and spiritual practices. Mattu Pongal is celebrated on the third day. This will be celebrated tomorrow, on January 15, 2026.

Mattu Pongal 2026: Date and Time

Mattu Pongal Sankranti Moment - January 14, 2026 - 03:13 PM

Mattu Pongal 2026: Significance

Mattu Pongal is the third day of Pongal, which is celebrated with immense devotion and purity. This festival is mainly celebrated in Tamil Nadu. This festival celebrates the new beginning, rich harvest festival. People dedicate this day to their cattles, bulls, and cows because without them harvesting is impossible. On this day, farmers and their families wash their cattle, decorate them with colourful garlands, bells, and painted horns, and pray for their health and safety. Pongal is also celebrated to honor Surya dev, Indra dev and mother nature help in ploughing the agricultural fields. Mattu Pongal festival is dedicated to thanking them for their contribution to farming.

Mattu Pongal 2026: Celebration

• On the first day of Bhogi Pongal, people light bonfires to symbolize the eradication of negativity and clean and decorate their homes to symbolize fresh starts. A specific Pongal dish is prepared with freshly harvested rice, milk, and jaggery.

• The next day is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and is commemorated by the creation of a Pongal sweet dish as an offering and prayers at dawn in gratitude for his blessings.

• The third day of the celebration honoring cattle, which are highly valued in Hinduism. Cows, who are decorated with colorful beads and bells, get special offerings in recognition of the farmers who work hard to guarantee a bountiful crop.

• Kannam Pongal is coming to an end today. People visit family, exchange gifts, play traditional games and dances, and look up to the sky in gratitude for the natural blessings that have been showered upon us during this celebration of family and unity.