Ponggal is very much a Hindu festival

By: Vimalan Nagarajan

Some people today are calling Ponggal a “secular” festival, detached from Hinduism, it’s nothing but a sign of ignorance about the deeper understanding of this culture and religion.

For those claiming Ponggal is not Hindu, do enlighten me on how the date and the timing of Ponggal is calculated, if not based on Hindu panchangam of the Sun’s movement. Panchangam refers to the astrological calendar.

Hindu festivals and rituals are rooted in the observation of astronomical events, an effort to align the shifts in nature with our inner selves.

In a world where we’re increasingly disconnected from nature and the cosmic consciousness, overwhelmed by the stress and chaos of modern, digital life, the ancient sages always found ways to stay tuned to the rhythms of the universe.

When we live in our heads, detached from reality, we get caught in fantasies, forgetting the true essence of life. Every practice in Hinduism—whether it’s yoga or rituals—helps us ground ourselves, reconnecting to the heart and living with joy and love.

Four solar shifts

Hinduism observes four key solar shifts due to the Earth’s tilt. These are:

  • Makara Sankranti in January, when the Sun starts its northward journey Uttarayana (based on Solar Analemma).
  • Mesha Sankranti in April, when the Sun rises exactly in the east, aligning with the Vernal Equinox. We mark this beginning as New Year as the zodiac sign starts from Aries.
  • Karka Sankranti, when the Sun begins its southward journey, Dakshinayana. Tamil Hindus consider this as sacred month for Goddess worship (Aadi Maasam)
  • Tula Sankranti, marking the autumnal equinox, associated with Deepavali.

The term “Sankranti” means “entry,” and when the Sun enters Capricorn (Makar), it’s celebrated as Makara Sankranti. This festival takes on different names across India—Ponggal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in Punjab, and Makara Sankranti in many other regions.

Despite the cultural variations, they all celebrate the same astronomical event—the Sun’s movement across the zodiac.

Sun worship

In Tamil Nadu, Ponggal is specifically called Surya Ponggal, with worship and offerings dedicated to the Sun God. Sun worship is very prominent in Hindusim. The greatest mantra – the Gayathri mantra is directed to Solar energy.

There’s an entire suktam in Veda for Sun known as Aruna Prashna. It’s part of our Sanmatham known as Souryam. Now tell me whether people of other major faiths can worship and celebrate the Sun ?

To dismiss the rich, deeper connections of this tradition—rooted in the timeless wisdom of Sanatana Dharma—is to ignore the essence of Bharathiya culture.

Yet, today, many with limited understanding, driven by political motives, spread misguided opinions on religious matters.

It’s almost laughable to see politicians, who have little grasp of history or culture, posing as experts on our spiritual practices.

Let’s honor our traditions with respect and understanding.


Vimalan Nagarajan is a prominent Malaysian Hindu activist who explains issues related to the faith via social media platforms.