Pongal (Sankranti), the most important celebration in Tamil Nadu, is right around the corner, and this has made it a reason for students in the state to party. A long holiday for winter and cultural festivities has been granted to students as schools and colleges are to be closed for multiple days in a row. And what is more, the transportation department has started with the special preparations which they indicate as the commencement of the Pongal festivities to the joy of the public?

Pongal Holiday Schedule (Tentative)

In the 2026 Pongal festivities calendar, the big ones come in mid-January.

• January 15 (Thursday): Pongal
• January 16 (Friday): Mattu Pongal / Thiruvalluvar Day
• January 17 (Saturday): Kanum Pongal / Farmers’ Day
• January 18 (Sunday): Weekly holiday

This effectively means at least a four-day holiday for schools.

Will January 14 Also Be a Holiday?

Rumors about the announcement of January 14 (Wednesday) as a non-working day are getting stronger and stronger. It will be a perfect opportunity for the students and their families to go home for the festival celebrated in their hometowns. However, it is still unconfirmed by anyone but the Tamil Nadu Education Department is likely to make a statement on it shortly.

Relief After Exams

The prolonged leave is a comfort to students, particularly because schools opened on January 5th after the mid-year tests. January has become a celebratory and student-friendly month as the New Year festivities have already passed and the Republic Day holidays are coming up later in the month.

Special Transport Arrangements

The Pongal festival never fails to draw in a huge crowd of city dwellers, particularly those from Chennai, who prefer to celebrate the festival in their family circles. The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) has revealed that there would be an unprecedented number of buses functioning from January 10 to January 18, as the ticket sales will hit their highest point during that time. Besides the Shramik Special trains, the railways will be operating from Coimbatore and the southern area to facilitate the movement of tourists during the festival.

Reopening Date Still Unclear

It remains unclear if January 19 (Monday) will be the day of school reopening or an extra holiday (possibly for Bhogi) will be declared. An official circular from the Education Department is the only thing that can now give students and parents the final holiday schedule.

Meanwhile, the celebrations have not ended since the students are still wishing for a longer Pongal vacation this year.