Pongal

Pongal

When is Pongal 2022?

Makar Sankranti Celebrations

Makar Sankranti is celebrated as a harvest festival in some parts of India. On this day, Hindus worship the Sun God, and it marks the first day of the sun’s transition to the Capricorn or Makara in Hindi. The holiday is referred by different names in various regions: Pongal, Maaghi, Bhogali, or Uttarayan.

When is Makar Sankranti?

Makar Sankranti is celebrated in the mid-month of January, the date falling either on 14th or 15th. The day marks the end of the harsh winter season and the start of a harvest season.

Is Makar Sankranti a public holiday?

Makar Sankranti is a restricted holiday. However, the Indian laws allow employees to select a few holidays from the optional list and take leave from work.

What is closed or open on Makar Sankranti?

Makar Sankranti is not a public holiday, and therefore, government offices, organizations, and most businesses may remain open in most states. However, some local authorities in different states may declare the holiday as a day off to its people.

Why is Makar Sankranti celebrated?

According to a legend, Sankranti, the deity who the festival is named after, killed a demon called Sankarasur. The date when Makar Sankranti is celebrated is considered a time when the sun moves from the southern hemisphere to the north. The holiday marks the beginning of an auspicious six month season with longer daylight and the start of the Hindu month of Magh.

Things to do on Makar Sankranti?

Makar Sankranti is a time for festive events, feasts, fairs, bonfires, and cultural activities for most Indians. Remember to wake up very early and express your gratitude to the Sun God. You could also head to the holy rivers such as Allahabad, Varanasi, Nashik, and Sagar Island and take a dip and chant mantras.

You can take this chance to decorate your house with Makra Sankranti Rangoli designs in preparation for the new season. Invite family and friends and hold a feast of special foods mostly made of sesame seeds and multi-colored sugar halwa. Remember to share sweets as this shows unity and your friendship with one another.

If you are an outdoor person, dress up well, gather a few friends, and go kite flying. There are many kite-flying competitions held across different towns. Kite flying symbolizes appreciation of nature, and some people believe that the higher you fly your kite, the higher you get to prosper.

Another great idea would be to attend melas and fairs held in most state capitals. It is not only an opportunity to grant others Makra Sankranti wishes but also a chance to participate in fun activities organized in the fairs.

Pongal Observances

Year Date Day Holiday
2024 15 Jan Mon Pongal
2024 14 Jan Sun Bhogi
2023 15 Jan Sun Pongal
2023 14 Jan Sat Sankranti
2022 15 Jan Sat Sankranti / Pongal
2022 14 Jan Fri Makar Sankranti / Pongal
2022 13 Jan Thu Bhogi
2021 15 Jan Fri Sankranti / Pongal
2021 14 Jan Thu Makar Sankranti / Pongal
2021 13 Jan Wed Bhogi
2020 15 Jan Wed Makar Sankranti / Pongal
2020 14 Jan Tue Bhogi
2019 15 Jan Tue Makarsankranti / Pongal
2019 14 Jan Mon Makar Sankranti / Pongal

Other Popular Holidays


Notice: Undefined variable: holidayList in /chroot/home/cholidaysin/calendarholidays.in/html/model/Holidays.php on line 360

Pongal Facts

14

INDIA

January 14, 2022

Quick Schedules

This Year Sunday, 14 Jan, 2024
Last Year Saturday, 14 Jan, 2023
Type Observances

Religious Holidays