When Is Pongal (Sankranthi) 2024? Check The Date, Puja Timings For This Year

Pongal, observed by the Tamil community, is a harvest festival that serves as an expression of gratitude to the Sun, mother nature, and the diverse farm animals that play a crucial role in fostering a prosperous harvest.

Spanning four days, Pongal also signifies the commencement of the Tamil month known as Thai. The term "Pongal" also refers to the dish prepared and consumed during this festival. Comprising boiled sweet rice, the name is derived from the Tamil word "pongu," signifying "to boil over."

Similarly, the same harvest festival is celebrated by Telugu people and Kannadigas as Makara Sankranthi.

The Pongal festivities go by various names across India, including Magh Bihu in Assam, Maghi Saaji in Himachal Pradesh, Maghi Sangrand in Punjab, Maghi Sangrand or Uttarain (Uttarayana) in Jammu, Sakrat in Haryana, Sakraat in Rajasthan, Sukarat in central India, Uttarayana in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, Ghughuti in Uttarakhand, Dahi Chura in Bihar, Makar Sankranti in Odisha, Maharashtra, Goa, West Bengal (also known as Poush Sankranti or Mokor Sonkranti), and Uttar Pradesh (also known as Khichidi Sankranti), Uttarakhand (also known as Uttarayani).

Additionally, other regions and countries observe similar celebrations: Maghe Sankranti in Nepal, Songkran in Thailand, Thingyan in Myanmar, Mohan Songkran in Cambodia, Til Sakraat in Mithila, and Shishur Senkrath in Kashmir.

On Makar Sankranti, people worship Surya (the Hindu solar deity) along with Vishnu and goddess Lakshmi, a practice observed throughout India.

When Is Pongal 2024?

This year, it falls on January 15, as per Drikpanchang. Here is the muhurat:

• Thai Pongal on Monday, January 15, 2024
• Thai Pongal Sankranti Moment - 02:54 AM
• Makar Sankranti on Monday, January 15, 2024

Makara Sankranti Punya Kala - 07:15 AM to 05:46 PM
Duration - 10 Hours 31 Mins

Makara Sankranti Maha Punya Kala - 07:15 AM to 09:00 AM
Duration - 01 Hour 45 Mins