When Is Pongal 2023? Find Out Date, Time And Traditional Festive Recipes

The harvest season in India is fast approaching and we are ready to celebrate it with the festivals of Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal and Bihu. Pongal is one of the Hindu festivals celebrated in Tamil Nadu. Thai Pongal, which is the second day of the four-day festivities, is the most important day of the festival. Thai Pongal is the first day of the ‘Thai’ month in the Tamil Solar Calendar, and it clashes with Makar Sankranti celebrated in the northern part of the country. Both the harvest festivals mark the sun’s transition towards the north (Uttarayan).   

Pongal 2023: Is Pongal On January 14 or 15? 

Thai Pongal falls on Sunday, January 15, 2023 

Thai Pongal Sankranti Moment is at 08:57 PM, on January 14, 2023 

(Source: drikpanchang) 

(Also Read: When Is Lohri 2023 – January 13 Or 14? Here’re The Exact Date, Timing And Traditional Festive Recipes)

What are the 4 days of Pongal 2023? 

The first day of the 4-day festival of Pongal is known as Bogi Pandigai. On this day, people kick-start the festivities by cleaning their houses and getting rid of old and waste items by throwing them in a bonfire. A similar tradition is followed in north India on the same day for the Lohri festival. The second, and most important day is Thai Pongal, which is celebrated by worshipping the sun (surya) and offering the traditional dish of Sakkarai Pongal. The next day is known as Mattu Pongal which sees the followers decorating and offering prayers to the cattle. The last day of Kaanum Pongal is spent getting together and celebrating with family members.  

^{Sakkarai Pongal is a festive-special recipe.}

What are the special foods of Pongal? Here’re 5 Popular Pongal Menu Recipes: 

1. Sakkarai Pongal: 

Sakkarai is a sweet Pongal and is prepared for the ritualistic bhog on the main day of Thai Pongal. It is a soft halwa-like dish made with rice, milk, ghee and jaggery, and is topped with crunchy nuts and dry fruits. The word ‘Pong’ means ‘to spill over’ in Tamil. So this Pongal is cooked till it boils and spills over a little, as part of the custom. Click here for the recipe for Sakkarai Pongal.  

2. Ven Pongal 

Also called Khara Pongal, Ven Pongal is a savoury version of Sakkarai Pongal in which milk and jaggery are replaced with moong dal and some spices. It goes best with sambhar and chutney. Here’s an easy recipe for Ven Pongal. 

3. Medu Vada 

The crispy, bite-sized fried snack is regularly consumed in south India and is specially made during the festival of Pongal. Here’s a recipe to make the perfect, fluffed-up medu vada for Pongal. 

4. Avial Curry 

The combination of a variety of vegetables and creamy coconut makes Avial a Pongal favourite. Avial curry also features in Onam festivities. Make the festive-special Avial curry with this recipe.  

5. Paal Payasam 

Pongal feast is not complete without the sweet finale of paal payasam. The kheer-like dessert is made with a creamy mélange of rice, milk, ghee, sugar and nuts. Here’s a simple recipe of paal payasam that you must try. 

Happy Pongal 2023!