Schools and colleges across Tamil Nadu will be closed for a three-day holiday from January 15 to 17, 2026 . The Tamil Nadu Government has announced these closures for the Pongal festival and other related celebrations. This means students will get a break from classes during these dates.
Holiday Schedule for Tamil Nadu Educational Institutions
Here is a clear look at the holiday dates:
| Date | Holiday Type | Reason for Closure |
| Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | Optional Holiday / Half-day | Pongal rituals begin. Some schools and colleges might close or have a half-day. |
| Thursday, January 15, 2026 | Full Holiday | Pongal Festival (Surya Pongal) |
| Friday, January 16, 2026 | Full Holiday | Thiruvalluvar Day |
| Saturday, January 17, 2026 | Full Holiday | Uzhavar Thirunal |
About the Pongal Festival
Pongal is a very popular harvest festival celebrated in parts of South India , especially in Tamil Nadu . It is a time when people thank the sun god and celebrate the start of the harvest season. During this festival, farmers harvest crops like rice, sugarcane, and turmeric.
A key part of Pongal is cooking fresh rice with milk in a special pot. This pot is often decorated. The rice and milk are cooked until they boil over the pot. This overflowing is considered a sign of good luck and richness for the year ahead.
The Four Days of Pongal Celebrations
The Pongal festival is celebrated over four days. Each day has a special name and meaning:
- Bhogi Pongal : This day happens before the main Pongal. People clean their homes and throw away old things. It means getting rid of the old and starting fresh.
- Surya Pongal : This is the main Pongal day, observed on January 15, 2026 . On this day, people worship the Sun God (Surya) and offer the special Pongal dish.
- Mattu Pongal : This day is for celebrating farm animals, especially cows and bulls. Farmers decorate their cattle and thank them for their help in farming.
- Kaanum Pongal : This is the last day of the festival. People visit their family and friends. Many also go out to parks or beaches for picnics and to spend time together.
Thiruvalluvar Day (January 16, 2026)
On January 16, 2026 , educational institutions will also be closed for Thiruvalluvar Day . This day honours the famous Tamil poet and philosopher, Thiruvalluvar . He is well-known for his work called 'Thirukkural', which is a collection of short poems about good living, right actions, and morals.
Uzhavar Thirunal (January 17, 2026)
The final day of the holiday, January 17, 2026 , is celebrated as Uzhavar Thirunal . This festival is dedicated to farmers. It is a day to show respect and thank farmers for their hard work. Farmers are very important because they grow the food that everyone eats.
Students in Tamil Nadu can use this three-day break to celebrate with their families and friends. They can take part in the festivities and enjoy the rich cultural traditions of Pongal. They also remember the important contributions of poets and farmers during this special time.
