Pongal, a significant Hindu harvest festival celebrated by Tamilians, will be observed from January 14 to January 17, 2026. The four-day festival coincides with Makar Sankranti and marks the beginning of the Tamil month Thai and the Sun's northward journey. Key rituals include worshipping the Sun God, preparing a sweet rice dish named Pongal, decorating cattle, and family gatherings. The festival's origins are traced back to the Chola dynasty, with historical inscriptions detailing its traditions and recipes.