Date: Thursday, 15 January 2026
Occasion: Surya Pongal (Day 2 of Pongal Festival) / Uttarayan Celebration Continues
Deity: Lord Surya (Sun God)
Lunar Month: Pausha, Shukla Paksha Ashtami
🌾 Meaning and Significance
Surya Pongal, observed on the second day of the four-day Pongal festival, is dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) — the celestial being who sustains life on Earth.
It coincides with Uttarayan, the northward journey of the Sun, symbolizing spiritual awakening, prosperity, and enlightenment.
This day signifies the bond between nature, humans, and the divine, expressing gratitude for warmth, light, and successful harvests. Farmers honor Surya Dev, whose energy ripens crops and sustains all living beings.
🪔 Rituals and Traditions
🌞 1. Surya Puja (Worship of the Sun God)
- Early in the morning, devotees take a holy bath and offer Arghya (water) to Surya Dev while reciting mantras such as:
“Om Suryaya Namah” - They place sugarcane, jaggery, turmeric, and newly harvested grains before the Sun as offerings.
🍚 2. Pongal Preparation Ritual
- The signature ritual involves boiling freshly harvested rice in milk and jaggery in a new clay pot.
- As the mixture boils and overflows, people chant “Pongalo Pongal!”, symbolizing abundance, joy, and divine blessings.
- The dish is first offered to Surya Dev and later distributed as prasadam to family and neighbors.
🐂 3. Family and Community Festivities
- Homes are decorated with kolams (rice flour designs) at the entrance.
- People wear traditional attire and exchange gifts of sugarcane, jaggery, and sesame sweets.
- In rural regions, bull races, traditional dances, and songs mark the joyous occasion.
🌻 Spiritual Essence
Surya Pongal reminds us that light overcomes darkness, and gratitude brings prosperity.
The festival emphasizes:
- Honoring the cosmic energy of the Sun
- Living in harmony with nature
- Sharing abundance and love with the community
It is believed that prayers offered to Surya Dev on this day help remove obstacles, bless families with good health, and bring wealth and happiness throughout the year.
❓ FAQs on Surya Pongal / Uttarayan Day 2 (2026)
Q1. When is Surya Pongal in 2026?
A1. Surya Pongal falls on Thursday, 15 January 2026, marking the second day of the Pongal festival.
Q2. What is the main ritual of Surya Pongal?
A2. The ritual of boiling rice and milk until it overflows, known as Pongal preparation, symbolizes prosperity and divine blessings.
Q3. What is the connection between Surya Pongal and Uttarayan?
A3. Both celebrate the Sun’s northward journey (Uttarayan), signifying new beginnings, abundance, and spiritual awakening.
Q4. Which states celebrate Surya Pongal?
A4. It is celebrated primarily in Tamil Nadu, and similar traditions occur in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala.
Q5. Why do people chant “Pongalo Pongal”?
A5. It is a joyful exclamation thanking nature and the divine for prosperity as the milk-rice mixture boils over.
Panchang Official