Thai Pongal 2026: Main Festival Day, Auspicious Time, and Religious Importance
Surya Pongal, also known as Thai Pongal, is the most important day of the festival and is celebrated on Thusday, January 15, 2026. It coincides with the start of the Tamil month of Thai and honours the Sun God for sustaining life and agriculture.
Religious Importance of Surya Pongal
This day marks the sun’s northward journey (Uttarayan). Devotees express gratitude for a successful harvest and pray for continued prosperity.
Auspicious Timings
- Surya Pongal : 04: 30 to 06: 00 AM
- Altranative time : 07: 45 to 08:45 AM and 10:35AM to 01:00 PM
Traditional Practices
- Preparation of the sacred dish Pongal using fresh rice, milk, and jaggery
- Offering Pongal to the Sun God in open spaces
- Chanting mantras and performing Surya puja
- Wearing traditional attire and sharing festive meals
Surya Pongal highlights gratitude, abundance, and divine blessings, making it the spiritual heart of the Pongal celebrations.
