Public Holiday : The month of January has brought joyful news for schoolchildren across India. While schools in North India have extended winter vacations due to severe cold and dense fog, there is one state in South India where schools will remain closed for five consecutive days because of grand festival celebrations. That state is Tamil Nadu.
On the occasion of the Pongal festival, the Tamil Nadu government has declared holidays in schools from 14 January to 18 January.
Below is the complete holiday schedule and the special reasons behind it:
Public Holiday : 5-Day School Holiday Schedule in Tamil Nadu
Keeping the Pongal celebrations in mind, the Tamil Nadu government has released a detailed holiday calendar for educational institutions:
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14 January (Wednesday) – Bhogi Pongal
This day marks the beginning of the Pongal festival. Old and unused items are discarded to welcome a fresh start. Many schools observe a full or partial holiday on this day. -
15 January (Thursday) – Thai Pongal
This is the main festival day, celebrated as Makar Sankranti in North India. On this day, devotees worship the Sun God and express gratitude for a good harvest. -
16 January (Friday) – Mattu Pongal / Thiruvalluvar Jayanti
This day is dedicated to cattle such as cows and bulls, which play a vital role in agriculture. It is also celebrated as the birth anniversary of the great Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar.
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17 January (Saturday) – Kaanum Pongal / Uzhavar Thirunal
This day is meant for family gatherings and honoring farmers. Since it falls on a Saturday, schools remain closed. -
18 January (Sunday)
Weekly holiday.
Note: After this long break, all schools will reopen on 19 January (Monday).
Significance of Pongal and the ‘Boiling Rice’ Tradition
Pongal is not just a festival; it is a way to express gratitude towards nature and farmers.
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The word ‘Pongal’ means to boil over or overflow.
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Tradition: Newly harvested rice, milk, and jaggery are cooked in a new clay pot. When the mixture boils over, it is considered a symbol of prosperity and abundance. People chant “Pongalo Pongal”, wishing happiness and prosperity for the household.
Thiruvalluvar Jayanti: A Celebration of Knowledge and Language
16 January also marks the birth anniversary of the great philosopher Thiruvalluvar. Recently, the Ministry of Education launched his famous literary work ‘Thirukkural’ in Sign Language, making it accessible to all sections of society. The government believes that such timeless works play an important role in uniting the country culturally and linguistically.