New Delhi: Bhogi, also known as Bhogi Pandigai, marks the first day of the four-day Pongal and Sankranti festival celebrated across South India. Observed mainly in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, Bhogi welcomes the harvest season and symbolises renewal, cleansing, and fresh beginnings.
The festival centres on letting go of the old, both materially and emotionally, to prepare for prosperity and positivity in the days ahead.
Bhogi 2026: Date and day
- Bhogi Pandigai: Tuesday, 13 January 2026
- Makar Sankranti / Thai Pongal: Wednesday, 14 January 2026
- Sankranti Moment: Around 03:13 PM IST on 14 January 2026
Bhogi is always observed one day before Makar Sankranti, during the final phase of the Tamil month Margazhi.
Bhogi 2026: Time and muhurat
Bhogi does not depend on a strict muhurat like temple rituals, but certain parts of the day are traditionally considered favourable.
- Early Morning (Before Sunrise): Most auspicious time
- Bhogi Mantalu (Bonfire): Lit before dawn
- Rangoli and Home Decorations: Early morning hours
- Daytime: Family rituals, sweets preparation, children’s ceremonies
All timings are followed according to the Panchang tradition, where a day begins and ends with sunrise.
Why Bhogi Pongal is celebrated
Bhogi marks:
- The onset of the harvest season
- A time to discard the old and welcome the new
- Preparation for the auspicious Sankranti and Pongal days
The festival is closely associated with gratitude toward nature and the belief that renewal brings abundance.
Sacred rituals to follow on Bhogi Day
1. Bhogi Mantalu (Sacred bonfire)
The most important ritual of Bhogi is the early-morning bonfire known as Bhogi Mantalu.
- Families wake up before dawn
- Old wooden items, broken household objects, and unused belongings are offered to the fire
- The bonfire symbolises burning away negativity and past burdens
The fire is believed to purify both the home and the mind.
2. Cleaning and discarding old items
Homes are cleaned thoroughly on Bhogi morning. Discarding unused items reflects the belief that prosperity enters a clean and uncluttered space.
3. Bhogi Pallu ritual for children
In many Telugu households, Bhogi Pallu is performed for children aged three to six years.
- Children are dressed in colourful traditional clothes
- A mixture of Indian jujube (Regi Pallu), black gram, flower petals, jaggery, sugarcane pieces, and coins is gently showered on them
This ritual is believed to protect children from the evil eye and bless them with health, happiness, and long life.
4. Ariselu Adugulu
In some families, Ariselu Adugulu is observed.
- Rice-based sweets called Ariselu are placed on the floor
- Toddlers are encouraged to walk over them
The ritual symbolises a child’s growth, progress, and life milestones.
5. Rangoli and Kolam decoration
Bright rangolis or kolams are drawn outside homes early in the morning. Many localities organise rangoli competitions, adding colour and joy to the festival atmosphere.
6. Bommala Koluvu displays
Families set up Bommala Koluvu, arranging dolls and figurines on tiered platforms. This tradition reflects cultural heritage and devotion passed down through generations.
7. Preparation and sharing of sweets
Special sweets are prepared in generous quantities and shared with family, neighbours, and friends, strengthening community bonds.
What to avoid doing on Bhogi
- Avoid burning plastic, rubber, or chemical materials
- Do not waste food or usable items
- Avoid arguments and negativity
- Refrain from unsafe fire practices
Bhogi encourages mindful celebration rather than excess.
Spiritual significance of Bhogi on Pongal
Bhogi represents the belief that new beginnings start with release. By letting go of what is old and unnecessary, people prepare themselves for clarity, growth, and abundance during the harvest season.
Bhogi 2026, observed on Tuesday, January 13, sets the tone for the Pongal and Sankranti festivities. Through simple rituals, early-morning bonfires, and meaningful family customs, Bhogi reminds people that renewal, gratitude, and togetherness are the foundation of prosperity.
Written by: Tanya Singh, Astropatri.com. For feedback, please write to hello@astropatri.com.
