Bhogi Pandigai 2026: Bhogi Pandigai is an important and traditional festival of South India, celebrated every year just a day before Makar Sankranti. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm especially in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Bhogi is not just a festival but is considered a symbol of new beginning in life, shedding old burdens and embracing positive energy. In the year 2026, Bhogi Pandigai will be celebrated on January 13, which marks the beginning of the four-day Sankranti or Pongal festival.
Bhogi Pandigai has special significance in Hindu religion. The festival also marks the beginning of the harvest season and the last day of the month of Margashirsha (Margazhi) of the Tamil calendar. On this day, people resolve to remove old and negative things from their lives and move forward with new hopes and positive thinking.
There is a tradition of lighting Bhogi Mantalu (bonfire) early in the morning on the day of Bhogi. People throw old clothes, useless household items and unused items in the fire. It is believed that this removes past negative energy and infuses new energy into life. This tradition is considered a symbol of change and self-purification.
Tamil Nadu: Bhogi Pandigai marks the beginning of Pongal festival in Tamil Nadu. People clean their houses, make colorful kolams and celebrate the festival by lighting bonfires early in the morning.
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana: Here Bhogi is considered the beginning of Sankranti festival. Family members gather together to perform traditional rituals and share happiness.
Karnataka: Although the festival is not widely celebrated in Karnataka, rituals associated with Bhogi are seen in some areas.
Bhogi Pandigai teaches us that it is important to leave old thoughts, habits and negative emotions to move ahead in life. This festival gives the message of new beginnings, hope and positive change. It is with this spirit that Bhogi Pandigai lays the foundation of a big festival like Pongal and makes the entire festival special.
