When Is Pongal Jun 2026
The timing of Pongal is astronomically significant. The festival marks the beginning of the sun’s six-month-long journey northwards (the Uttarayanam). This transition is considered highly auspicious in Hindu mythology.
Pongal 2026: Dates, Traditions, and How to Celebrate - Remitly when is pongal
While a simple calendar will tell you Pongal falls around each year, this report argues that Pongal is unique among global harvest festivals. Unlike fixed-date celebrations (Christmas, New Year) or lunar-dependent ones (Eid, Diwali), Pongal follows the solar cycle – specifically, the sun’s entry into the zodiac sign of Makaram (Capricorn). This event, known as Uttarayana Punyakalam , is astronomically precise but culturally fluid, creating a fascinating "drift" that other festivals do not experience. The timing of Pongal is astronomically significant
| Year | Pongal Start Date | Astrological Event | |------|------------------|--------------------| | 2024 | Jan 15 | Sun enters Capricorn at 2:54 AM IST | | 2025 | Jan 14 | Sun enters Capricorn at 8:31 AM IST | | 2026 | Jan 14 | Sun enters Capricorn at 2:15 PM IST | | 2027 | Jan 15 | Sun enters Capricorn at 8:07 PM IST | Pongal 2026: Dates, Traditions, and How to Celebrate