Bhogi 2026: Date, Time, Rituals and Significance of the First Day of Sankranti

What is Bhogi 2026 and why is it celebrated? Discover its date, time, rituals, Bhogi Mantalu, and spiritual significance rooted in Sanatangyan and Vedic wisdom.

Bhogi 2026 is the first day of the Pongal and Sankranti celebrations, which are a time for renewal, the harvest, and spiritual cleansing. It is celebrated one day prior to Makar Sankranti (the first day of winter). Bhogi Pandigai is when families are encouraged to cleanse themselves of negativity, become positive in spirit, and harmonise their lives with the natural cycles of the universe, according to the teachings of Sanatangyan and the ancient Shashtra texts.

Bhogi 2026 Date and Time

Bhogi is the first of the four celebration days of Pongal and Sankranti, which occur throughout Tamil Nadu, AndhraPradesh and Telangana etc. Bhogi is a holiday that marks the beginning of the harvest season and the beginning of the year both materially and spiritually.

• Bhogi Pandigai: Tuesday, 13 January 2026

• Makar Sankranti / Thai Pongal: Wednesday, 14 January 2026

• Sankranti Moment: Around 3:13 PM IST on January 14, 2026

Bhogi is celebrated during the last part of the Tamil month of Margazhi, which has a high degree of spirituality (due to it being within the last days of the month). Since the sun moves from the south to the north when it enters Makara Rashi on January 14th, Bhogi naturally is observed on January 13th, as it is considered a holy or sacred day of preparation.

Why Bhogi Is the First Day of Sankranti

According to Sanatangyan, every major festival aligns human life with cosmic cycles. Bhogi celebrations are held on the day prior to Makar Sankranti; because they are centred around cleansing and preparing oneself for the northward movement of the sun. Just like a sadhu prepares their mind prior to meditation; many families prepare their home and heart in a similar way to how they would before the Northward journey of the sun commences.

A guiding Sanskrit verse from the Rigveda reflects this spirit of renewal:

“नवो नवो भवति जायमानः।” — Rigveda

“That which is born again and again becomes ever new.”

This verse beautifully echoes Bhogi’s message of continuous renewal and transformation.

Pongal and Makar Sankranti: Four Sacred Days

Bhogi is part of a larger celebration honouring nature, cattle, agriculture, and family bonds:

Day 1: Bhogi Pandigai

Day 2: Makar Sankranti / Thai Pongal (Pedda Panduga)

Day 3: Kanuma Panduga / Mattu Pongal

Day 4: Mukkanuma / Kaanum Pongal

Among these, Bhogi sets the spiritual tone by focusing on cleansing and preparation for abundance.

Bhogi Mantalu: The Sacred Bonfire Ritual

One of the most powerful rituals of Bhogi is Bhogi Mantalu, performed in the early morning. Families light a bonfire using old clothes, broken furniture, and unused items. This act symbolises burning away negativity, ego, and stagnation.

Fire, regarded as Agni Devata in Vedic scriptures, is a purifier and divine witness. The Yajurveda states:

“अग्निर्हि देवाँ अवमो विश्वस्य।” — Yajurveda

“Agni is the foremost among the gods and purifier of the universe.”

By offering the old to fire, Bhogi teaches detachment, a principle often preached by every guru walking the path of sanatangyan.

Bhogi Pallu: Blessings for Children

Bhogi Pallu is a beautiful tradition dedicated to children between the ages of three and six. The traditional attire worn by children has become an integral part of the Bhogi celebration. Indian jujube, black gram, jaggery, flowers, coins, and sugarcane pieces are showered upon the children as a use of tradition and as a way to protect against the evil eye while blessing them with health, wisdom, and prosperity.

In certain regions of India, the Ariselu, which is a sweet made of rice and jaggery, serves a special purpose during this celebration. The children are encouraged to place their feet on Ariselu to symbolize their growth in sweetness of life.

Like the Vedic prayer for well-being, the Bhogi Celebration seeks to bring the energy of renewal.

“सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः।” — Upanishadic blessing

“May all beings be happy.”

Rangoli, Kolam, and Bommala Koluvu Traditions

At Bhogi, rangoli/kola are created in vibrant colors to connect with positive energy and draw blessings into our homes. Many of the same contests held during Bhogi in other religions are friendly competitions that serve to enhance the celebratory environment of the festival and bring together members of a community through participation. 

A festival that has become a favorite within this community is called Bommala Koluvu (doll display) and is celebrated by displaying dolls and figures on tiered racks. This practice reflects devotion, storytelling, and cultural continuity passed down through generations, preserving sanatangyan in everyday life.

Bhogi in Vedic and Spiritual Perspective

The Bhagavad Gita provides a concise overview of the true meaning of Bhogi:

“नासतो विद्यते भावो नाभावो विद्यते सतः।” — Bhagavad Gita 2.16

“The unreal has no existence; the real never ceases to be.”

The practice of Bhogi provides the ability to let go of the untrue (toxins) and to focus on the true (self-realization, spiritual renewal, and uplifting emotions) by creating new life.

On Bhogi 2026, let us cast away what has passed, clean our hearts, and welcome new beginnings through the rituals that remind us of our like a guru relationship to nature, through sanatangyan, to approach thanksgiving and return with harmony as we embark on the sacred Sankranti journey.