Where To Celebrate Pongal In Tamil Nadu? 10 Places That Should Be On Your List

Pongal is a very important festival celebrated with great fervour across Tamil Nadu. This four-day harvest festival is observed to express gratitude to the Sun God, Mother Earth, and farm animals for a successful harvest. It also marks new beginnings, the end of harsh winters, and the start of Uttarayan. So, if you are planning to visit Tamil Nadu, bookmark these 10 places where Pongal is celebrated with warmth, festive spirit, and, of course, lots of Pongal dishes!

10 Places To Celebrate Pongal In Tamil Nadu 

1. Madurai

In Madurai, Pongal is celebrated by decorating houses with kolams and worshipping the Sun and cattle. Devotees visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple to offer prayers. You can also witness Jallikattu, the traditional bull-taming competition, held at venues like Alanganallur, Avaniyapuram, and Palamedu. You can also witness the ‘overflowing pot’ tradition in many villages here. 

2. Chennai 

In Chennai, this four-day harvest festival is marked with traditional rituals such as drawing kolams, cooking sweet Pongal, and celebrating with family gatherings. The city also hosts cultural events, folk dances, games, and community celebrations. During Pongal, the entire city comes alive with festive energy!

3. Ooty 

Ooty, the popular hill station, is another lovely place to celebrate Pongal. Expect community gatherings, sweet and savoury Pongal dishes, traditional music, dances, and games. Local markets also come alive with festive cheer, selling sugarcane, turmeric, and other fresh farm produce. You can also take out some time to enjoy boating in the famous Ooty Lake. 

Also Read: From Pongal Virundhu To Lohri Buffets, 16 Harvest Special Menus Across India In 2026

4. Kanyakumari

In Kanyakumari, Pongal is celebrated with coastal traditions, folk dances, and prayers to the Sun God at the beach. Visitors can explore the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, cook Pongal in clay pots with locals, and visit nearby temples during the festival. You can also observe local traditions, offer prayers, and celebrate prosperity together with the local farmers. 

5. Thanjavur 

Celebrating Pongal in Thanjavur allows you to observe the Tamil culture deeply. Visit the Brihadisvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, especially during Mattu Pongal, when decorated cattle are worshipped. You can also explore nearby villages to see how Pongal is traditionally celebrated. Don’t miss the Thanjavur Palace Gallery to see the classic Thanjavur paintings.

6. Coimbatore 

Head to Coimbatore to experience Pongal in an authentic way. Expect traditional cooking of Pongal dishes, decorated cattle, and folk music around you. You can also visit places like the Adiyogi Statue, Dhyanalinga Temple, and Marudhamalai Temple, all of which have a festive atmosphere during the celebrations.

7. Rameswaram

Rameswaram is one of the best places in Tamil Nadu to celebrate Pongal. The Ramanathaswamy Temple hosts special pujas and rituals during the festival. You can also explore local markets for Pongal kolams and visit Dhanushkodi for its connection to the Ramayana! Sounds interesting, right? 

8. Salem 

Salem is another great destination to celebrate Pongal. Here, you can witness traditional games like bullock cart races and tug-of-war competitions. Indulge in special Pongal meals like Virundhu, and enjoy the many fairs held in public spaces during the festival. You would make a lot of memories at this place, we promise!

Also Read: Thai Pongal 2026: Date, Significance, Traditions & Meaning Behind The Overflowing Pot

9. Tirunelveli 

Visiting Tirunelveli during Pongal promises a vibrant festive experience. Visit the Nellaiappar Temple for special celebrations and spend time at Manimuthar Falls. Local fairs sell traditional sarees, crafts, and jewellery. Don’t leave without trying Pongal meals served on banana leaves and the famous Tirunelveli Halwa, which is made of wheat, ghee, sugar, and water from the Thamirabarani River. 

10. Tiruchirappalli (Trichy)

Tiruchirappalli, or Trichy, is another wonderful place to celebrate Pongal. Visit the Srirangam Temple and Rockfort Temple to see special pujas and rituals. You will see decorated cattle, outdoor cooking, and community meals across the city. Locals often welcome tourists into their celebrations. Don’t miss the street food, including masala dosas, chaat, payasam, and special Pongal dishes.

Also Read: Lohri 2026: 5 Food Items Offered To The Lohri Bonfire And What It Signifies

So, tell us, where would you like to celebrate Pongal in Tamil Nadu this year? We would really love to visit Rameswaram! This is definitely the perfect time to enjoy traditional Pongal dishes and be part of age-old celebrations, right?

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ creatoroflove and ElizaSSpS_Photos