Quick answer: Pongal is a four-day harvest festival in mid-January that is all about thanking the Sun, the earth and the cattle. In 2027, Bhogi falls on Thursday 14 January, Thai Pongal on Friday 15 January, Mattu Pongal on Saturday 16 January and Kaanum Pongal on Sunday 17 January. For families with children, it is a lovely chance to cook, draw kolam, visit relatives and dress up in traditional clothes, with something for every age.
The four days of Pongal
- Bhogi. The day for clearing out the old to make way for the new. Let children pick toys and clothes to donate. If your family lights a bonfire, keep little ones at a safe distance.
- Thai Pongal. The main day. Fresh rice is cooked with milk and jaggery in a new pot, and everyone cheers when it boils over. It is also a day of thanks to the Sun.
- Mattu Pongal. A day to thank the cattle that work in the fields. City children can draw a cow, thank a pet or visit a farm or temple cowshed.
- Kaanum Pongal. A day to visit family and friends, go on an outing and share a meal.
Easy activities for children
- Kolam: Rice flour patterns at the doorstep. Younger children can join dots or fill in colours, while older children can try their own designs.
- Cooking the Pongal: Let them wash the rice, add the jaggery or stir with an adult nearby. Keep them well away from the hot pot.
- Decorating: Mango leaf toranams, flowers and banana leaves.
- Games: Traditional games and kite flying, with a grown-up watching.
- Gratitude jar: Everyone writes one thing they are thankful for and reads it out at the meal.
What to wear
Festival day means sitting on the floor, eating, running around and being photographed, so comfort matters as much as colour. The full day-by-day outfit guide is on our Pongal dress for kids page.
- Girls: A silk pattu pavadai is the classic. For girls under about 12, pick one stitched onto a soft lined bodice, so nothing presses on her tummy. Teen sizes tie with a thread or hook.
- Boys: A veshti with a shirt, or a dhoti kurta set, from our boys Pongal collection suits temple visits and family meals.
- Babies: See first Pongal outfits in soft fabrics.
- Siblings: Match in colour with sibling sets.
Plan it in one place
Our free Festival Outfit Planner helps you list each day, each child and each outfit, so nothing is left to the last minute.
Frequently asked questions
What does Pongal mean?
Pongal means to boil or to overflow in Tamil. It is also the name of the sweet rice dish cooked on the festival.
When is Pongal in 2027?
Thai Pongal is on Friday 15 January 2027, with Bhogi the day before and Mattu Pongal and Kaanum Pongal on the two days after.
What should children wear for Pongal?
Traditional wear is popular, such as pattu pavadai for girls and a veshti with a shirt or kurta for boys, in soft, comfortable fabrics.
How can I involve young children in Pongal?
Let them help with kolam, decorate with flowers and leaves, wash the rice and share what they are thankful for, always with an adult close by around the stove.
