- By Kashish Rai
- Thu, 16 Jan 2025 10:58 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Uzhavar Thirunal 2025: Celebrated in Southern India, Uzhavar Thirunal is a festival dedicated to agriculturists, marking the end of the harvest season. Popularly known as the Pongal festival, this Tamil celebration honours the hard work of farmers. Observed annually in mid-January, Uzhavar Thirunal coincides with the Sun's transition from Dakshinayana to Uttarayana, entering the zodiac sign Capricorn. This occasion is also commemorated as Makar Sankranti, a term derived from the Sanskrit language, where 'Makar' refers to Capricorn. As the Sun enters this sign, Uzhavar Thirunal is celebrated with great fervour, acknowledging the significance of the harvest season and the tireless efforts of agriculturists.
Check out the date, time, significance and rituals of this sacred Tamil Festival below:
Uzhavar Thirunal 2025: Date And Time
- Uzhavar Thirunal 2025 Date: 16th January 2025
- Tithi Begins: Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatram - 06:10 AM, January 16 to 04:38 AM, January 17
- Tithi Ends: Revati Nakshatram - 04:38 AM, January 17 - 03:33 AM, January 18
- Muhuratam Starts: Shukla Paksha Sashthi - 02:16 AM - 11:58 PM, January 16
- Muhuratam Ends: Shukla Paksha Saptami - 11:58 PM, January 16 - 10:07 PM, January 17
Uzhavar Thirunal celebrates agriculturists' hard work, marking the harvest season's end. It honours farmers' tireless efforts, coinciding with the Sun's transition into Capricorn, fostering gratitude. (Image Source: Freepik)
Uzhavar Thirunal 2025: Significance
The festival of Uzhavar Tirunal is steeped in Hindu history, with two prominent legends associated with its origins. One legend recounts the story of Lord Krishna, who valiantly protected the people of Braj from torrential rains by holding the mighty Govardhan mountain on his little finger. Another legend tells the tale of Lord Shiva's companion, Nandi the Bull, who was sent to educate humans on the importance of penance and oil baths. However, Nandi's efforts were misguided, and instead, he assisted farmers in ploughing their lands. In recognition of Nandi's contribution to agriculture, one day of the Pongal festival is dedicated to cattle, known as Mattu Pongal.
Uzhavar Thirunal 2025: Rituals
The rituals of Uzhavar Tirunal, also known as Pongal, are deeply rooted in Tamil culture and tradition. The festival commences with the ritual of 'Bhogi Mantalu', where people gather to burn old and discarded items, symbolising the elimination of evil and the ushering in of new beginnings. This is followed by the 'Pongal Puja', where devotees worship the Sun God, Surya, and offer prayers for a bountiful harvest. The ritual of 'Mattu Pongal' is also an integral part of the festival, where cattle are worshipped and offered food and decorations as a token of gratitude for their role in agriculture.
On the day of 'Kanum Pongal', families gather together to share meals and exchange gifts. The traditional dish of 'Sarkarai Pongal', a sweet rice dish made with jaggery and milk, is prepared and offered to the gods as a symbol of gratitude. The festival concludes with the ritual of 'Makar Sankranti', where devotees take a holy dip in the nearby rivers and streams, symbolising purification and renewal. Throughout the festival, devotees engage in various rituals and customs, showcasing their deep reverence for nature, agriculture and the divine.
ALSO READ: Pongal 2025: Date, Time, Significance And Day-Wise Rituals Of This Harvest Festival
(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert in the relevant field.)
