Bhogi Pandigai, the first day of the four-day Pongal festival, will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The festival symbolizes discarding the old and embracing new beginnings, with rituals including bonfires, rangoli, and prayers. Makar Sankranti follows on January 14, with the Sankranti moment at 3:13 pm IST.
Bhogi Pandigai, observed across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and parts of Karnataka, marks the vibrant beginning of the harvest festival Pongal. Deeply rooted in agrarian traditions, Bhogi is dedicated to renewal, prosperity, and spiritual cleansing. Families discard old possessions, light bonfires, and decorate homes, symbolizing the removal of negativity and the welcoming of abundance.
Key highlights from the announcement include
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Bhogi Pandigai will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
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Makar Sankranti or Thai Pongal follows on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
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The Sankranti moment occurs at 3:13 pm IST on January 14, 2026.
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Bhogi is observed during the final phase of the Tamil month of Margazhi, preceding the Sun’s entry into Makara Rashi.
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Traditional rituals include Bhogi Mantalu bonfires, where unused items are discarded to symbolize renewal.
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Homes are cleaned, adorned with rangoli (kolam), and prayers are offered to deities for prosperity.
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The festival is celebrated with family gatherings, cultural performances, and community feasts.
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Bhogi sets the tone for the subsequent days of Pongal, including Mattu Pongal and Kaanum Pongal.
The significance of Bhogi lies in its message of transformation: letting go of the past and embracing positivity. It is both a spiritual and cultural practice, reinforcing the bond between communities and nature. Farmers particularly celebrate Bhogi as it heralds the harvest season, ensuring gratitude and hope for abundance.
As Bhogi 2026 approaches, the festival is expected to bring together millions in joyous celebrations across South India. With its rituals of cleansing, renewal, and thanksgiving, Bhogi continues to embody the timeless values of prosperity, unity, and cultural heritage.
Sources: Times Now, Economic Times, News18