Bhogi is celebrated on the first day of Pongal. Everything you need to know about the celebration is included.

The day promotes fertility and agriculture by honoring Lord Indra, the rain god. Bhogi Mantalu is the practice of burning undesired objects to represent fresh starts. Beginning on January 14, 2025, Pongal, a colorful harvest celebration in South India, honors the relationship with cattle and expresses thankfulness for crops.

The commemoration of 'Bhogi' on Monday marked the beginning of the Pongal celebrations in South India. It is the first day of the four-day Pongal festival, one of India's biggest harvest festivals.

As part of the ritual, old and undesirable objects including clothing, mats, and broomsticks are burned, signifying a new beginning and bringing about constructive changes in people's life.

Why is Bhogi a holiday?
Lord Indra, who is credited with giving prosperity to the land, is honored on this day. Lord Indra, who is revered as the rain god, is important for fertility and agriculture. People burn undesired home objects in a fire constructed of wood and cow dung cakes on this day, which is also known as Bhogi Mantalu.

To commemorate the important harvest festival, villages and towns in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, two Telugu states, came alive with customary festivities.

MK Stalin wishes Pongal well.
The state of Tamil Nadu On Monday, Chief Minister MK Stalin sent out wishes in honor of the Pongal holiday.

"Pongal is the grand festival of Tamils!" he wrote on X. A masterpiece of our cultural heritage! A nonreligious celebration of equality that honors nature, agriculture, and labor! Participate in sports, art, and unity events throughout the state to commemorate #Pongal2025.

How is Pongal observed?
South India, particularly Tamil Nadu, celebrates Pongal, a joyous and vibrant celebration. Four days are dedicated to the fortunate feast.

Pongal celebrations in 2025 will start on Tuesday, January 14, and end on Friday, January 17.

Pongal is a time when people gather to worship the Sun God, show gratitude for the abundant crops, and celebrate their relationship with cattle.

Among the many names for Pongal are Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Poki, Bihu, and Hadaga. The sun, chariot, wheat grains, and sickle are popular emblems, however celebrations may differ.