Discover the Best Destinations to Celebrate Pongal

Long ago, in the realm of gods and mortals lived a mighty bull demon named Basava, who served the great Lord Shiva. One day, Shiva entrusted Basava with a sacred message for humanity: to pray daily and eat sparingly, honouring the balance of life. But Basava, in his clumsiness, delivered the message wrongly, telling people to eat every day and pray only once a month. This angered Lord Shiva, and as a punishment, Basava was cast down to Earth, where he was destined to toil in the fields alongside humans, ploughing their lands and helping them grow food. From that time onward, Basava became a symbol of service and sustenance, and to this day, during the festival of Pongal, cows and bulls are revered and celebrated for their invaluable role in nurturing life.

As fascinating as its lore, the Pongal celebration is more than a regional festival. It’s an opportunity for travellers to immerse themselves in vibrant rituals, delicious food, and the devout community spirit of South India, especially Tamil Nadu. While there are a lot of sightseeing places in Tamil Nadu, exploring places to visit during Pongal will allow you to witness this ancient celebration of nature and tradition that lasts for four days:

Bhogi Pongal: Where homes are cleaned and old things are burned

Thai Pongal: The main day when a sweet dish called Pongal is cooked to thank the Sun God

Mattu Pongal: Dedicated to worshipping cows and bulls

Kaanum Pongal: A day for family gatherings and sharing food

Pongal celebrations take place across multiple states and cities. Here is a complete list of places to visit during Pongal.

Madurai: Famous for its Meenakshi Temple, Madurai is the liveliest during the Pongal festival. The entire city is decorated, and traditional rituals and cultural events take over the streets, filling the air with festive cheer and a sense of unity. As a traveller, visiting Madurai first thing during Pongal will allow you to witness vibrant kolam designs adorning the streets, be a part of grand temple ceremonies, and experience the exhilarating Jallikattu. This traditional bull-taming sport is a highlight of the celebrations.

Thanjavur: Renowned for the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur offers a serene yet colourful Pongal experience. The city celebrates with fervour through traditional dance performances, temple processions, and local feasts. The lush paddy fields surrounding Thanjavur add to the charm, showcasing the agrarian essence of the Pongal festival.

Chennai: In the bustling city of Chennai, Pongal blends urban vibrancy with cultural traditions. The city hosts grand celebrations, including temple visits and community gatherings. A must-see is Kaanum Pongal, where families and friends flock to Marina Beach for picnics, kite flying, and festive fun, making it a unique fusion of urban and traditional.

Alanganallur: Witnessing Jallikattu is the most Pongal thing to do when in Alanganallur. A quaint village near Madurai, Alanganallur is world-famous for its Jallikattu, the traditional bull-taming sport held during Pongal. This thrilling event draws locals and tourists alike to witness the courage and skill of participants as they engage with majestic bulls in a test of strength and agility. The vibrant village atmosphere, combined with the celebratory spirit of Pongal, offers an unmatched glimpse into Tamil Nadu’s rural heritage.

Kumbakonam: Known as the "Temple Town," Kumbakonam exudes an aura of serenity during Pongal. The town’s stunning temples become the focal points of celebrations, with special rituals and decorations adding to the festive charm. Surrounded by lush paddy fields, Kumbakonam also provides an authentic village experience, where you can enjoy traditional Pongal feasts and witness rural customs in their authentic form.

Pondicherry: The unique blend of Tamil and French cultures in Pondicherry makes it a fascinating destination to celebrate Pongal. Traditional Pongal rituals are performed at local temples, while the city’s French Quarter offers charming colonial architecture and serene beaches. Visitors can enjoy festive Tamil cuisine alongside this coastal city's laid-back, cosmopolitan vibes, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking a mix of tradition and relaxation.

Ooty: Ooty can be your opportunity to participate in the celebrations while exploring the serene Nilgiri mountains. One of the must-not-miss places to visit during Pongal,  Ooty offers a serene retreat during Pongal. The hill station’s cool climate and misty landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for a festive escape. While Ooty doesn’t have traditional Pongal celebrations, visitors can enjoy a quiet holiday, exploring tea gardens, taking toy train rides, and relishing seasonal South Indian delicacies at local eateries.

When booking your Tamil Nadu package, ensure that you have all these places in your itinerary for an immersive experience of the Pongal festival.

Pongal Celebrations in Different States

Though primarily celebrated in Tamil Nadu, the Pongal festival in different states in South India has unique regional variations. As mentioned earlier, while it is a grand four-day harvest festival marked by traditions like preparing sweet Pongal, decorating homes with kolams, and the thrilling Jallikattu sport in Tamil Nadu, in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Pongal is celebrated as Makara Sankranti, with colourful kite festivals and traditional feasts. Karnataka observes Sankranti, focusing on the exchange of Ellu-Bella, a mix of sesame seeds and jaggery, as a goodwill gesture. In Kerala, Pongal aligns with the harvest festival and is observed with temple rituals and community gatherings. Each Indian state adds its unique cultural flavour, making Pongal a truly diverse and vibrant celebration.

Apart from South India, the Pongal festival in different states in North and West is recognised as Makar Sankranti and Lohri, which are harvest festivals. The rituals across different states and cultures may differ, but the focus remains on gratitude for nature’s gifts and community spirit.

Dishes to Try During Pongal

During the Pongal festival, a wide array of delicious dishes is prepared to celebrate the harvest season. As a traveller, immersing yourself in these dishes is the most essential thing to do in Pongal to fully appreciate their cultural significance.

Pongal (Sakkarai Pongal): A sweet dish made with rice, moong dal, jaggery, and ghee, often garnished with cashews and raisins. It is the hallmark dish of the festival.

Ven Pongal: A savoury version of Pongal, made with rice, moong dal, black pepper, cumin, ginger, and ghee. It's typically served with coconut chutney and sambar.

Lemon Rice (Chitranna): A tangy rice dish flavoured with lemon juice, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and peanuts.

Curd Rice: A cooling dish made with rice and yoghurt, often served with a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chillies.

Kootu: A dish made with vegetables and lentils, cooked with coconut and mild spices.

Payasam: A traditional sweet pudding made with rice, milk, sugar, and cardamom, similar to kheer, a popular dessert during Pongal.

Apart from these, if you are in any south Indian state during Pongal, you must try Appam with chicken stew, Vadai, and banana chips. Available at most celebration venues, sampling the local fare will allow you to connect better with the festival of Pongal.

From witnessing the lively bull-taming sport of Jallikattu to enjoying the warmth of family gatherings to indulging in Sakkarai Pongal and other savoury dishes, there are a lot of things to do in Pongal to embrace the spirit of gratitude and festivity. Visiting any place during their regional festive celebrations transforms you from a traveller to a true explorer, allowing you to connect with the heart of local culture and traditions.