Pongal Holidays in Tamil Nadu – 4-Day Festival from 14 to 17 January, Schools & Banks Closed

Big news for families, students and employees in Tamil Nadu! Pongal 2026, the grand harvest festival, falls from Wednesday, 14 January to Saturday, 17 January. Government offices, banks and schools remain closed for multiple days, creating a long weekend break. Thai Pongal (main day) on 15 January (Thursday), followed by Thiruvalluvar Day (16 January, Friday) and Uzhavar Thirunal (17 January, Saturday) – perfect for celebrations, village visits and family time.

This 4-day Pongal vacation lets you enjoy traditional sweets, kolam drawings and bull events without worry!

Know Complete Details of Pongal Festival Dates 2026

Pongal is a 4-day Tamil harvest festival thanking Sun God, nature and cattle:

• Bhogi Pongal: 14 January 2026 (Wednesday) – Discard old items, light bonfires, clean homes.
• Thai Pongal / Surya Pongal: 15 January 2026 (Thursday) – Main day; cook sweet Pongal dish, offer to Sun God, shout “Pongalo Pongal!”
• Mattu Pongal: 16 January 2026 (Friday) – Honour cattle; bathe, decorate cows/bulls, Jallikattu in some areas.
• Kaanum Pongal: 17 January 2026 (Saturday) – Visit relatives, outings, community bonding.

Festival marks Uttarayan (Sun’s northward journey) and Tamil month Thai start.

Pongal Holidays List 2026 – Government, Banks & Schools

Tamil Nadu government declares:

• Pongal: 15 January (Thursday) – Gazetted holiday.
• Thiruvalluvar Day: 16 January (Friday) – Gazetted.
• Uzhavar Thirunal: 17 January (Saturday) – Gazetted.

Bhogi (14 Jan) not official holiday, but many take leave.

Banks Closed:

• 15, 16 January (some include 14 & 17).
• Plus Republic Day: 26 January (Monday) – long weekend.

Schools & Colleges:

• Closed 15-17 January (official).
• Many declare 14 January holiday too → 5-day Pongal vacation (14-18 Jan, including Sunday).
• January totals up to 14 holidays with weekends/second-fourth Saturdays.

Government offices closed on these dates statewide.

Long Weekend & Vacation Planning for Pongal 2026

• 14 Jan (Wed): Bhogi – unofficial, but schools/offices often off.
• 15-17 Jan (Thu-Sat): Official holidays.
• 18 Jan (Sun): Weekend.
• Possible 5-day break – ideal for village trips, temple visits or rest.

Republic Day (26 Jan, Mon) creates another 3-day weekend (24 Sat off for banks + 25 Sun + 26 Mon).

How It Affects You – Enjoy Pongal Vacation

• Students: Extra break after Christmas holidays; plan family celebrations.
• Employees: Long weekend for travel/home feasts.
• Banks/Customers: Finish transactions early; UPI/ATMs work.
• Farmers/Families: Time for rituals, sweets, new clothes.
• Tip: Book trains/buses early for Pongal rush; prepare kolam, Pongal dish.

This festival brings prosperity wishes – “Thai Pirandhal Vazhi Pirakkum” (opportunities with Thai month).

Planning Pongal celebrations or vacation? Which day excites you most – Mattu Pongal or Kaanum? Comment below and share your views!

Stay updated with us for all latest festival holidays, school vacations and government rules in 2026.

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