Pongal Festival Holidays in Tamil Nadu Educational Institutions: The Government of Tamil Nadu has declared school and college holidays on the pious occasion of Pongal for three days. Classes across the state will remain closed from January 15 to 17, 2026. Pongal is a popular festival celebrated in parts of South India to honour the sun god and marks the beginning of the harvest season.
Pongal rituals will begin at 3:13 PM on January 14, 2026. In some educational institutions, Jan 14 can also be declared either a holiday or a half day. For complete information, read the article on whether or not educational institutions in Tamil Nadu will be closed till January 17, 2026, due to Pongal.
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Education Institutions in Tamil Nadu to Remain Closed Till 17 Jan Due to Pongal
As the harvest season heralds, educational institutions in Tamil Nadu will remain closed till January 17, 2026, for Pongal festivities. Students can enjoy a three-day break and celebrate Pongal with their friends and family. Generally, Pongal will begin on January 14 with the harvesting of crops such as rice, sugarcane, and turmeric. People across the state enjoy the festival by cooking milk and rice in a beautifully decorated earthen pot. As per tradition, the pot is left to boil rice and milk till it overflows.
As per the calendar, on the four days, Pongal have been given unique names that include Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal. Besides Pongal, schools will observe a holiday on January 16 in memory of Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. January 17 will be observed as Uzhavar Thirunal, a festival that is celebrated in honour of the farmers and to pay them gratitude for their invaluable contributions.