Tamils in India and Sri Lanka celebrate Pongal, a Hindu harvest festival also known as Thai Pongal, spanning several days. It is observed at the start of the Tamil month according to the Tamil solar calendar. This event is traditionally celebrated on January 14 or 15, depending on how the sun is around the earth in a particular year. It falls on the same day as Makar Sankranti, an Indian harvest festival honoring the sun god Surya. The three festival days that make up the Pongal celebration are known by the titles Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal, and Mattu Pongal. Some Tamils celebrate the Fourth Pongal Day, also known as Kanum Pongal.
