Pongal art festival in Erode on January 15 and 16

The Department of Art and Culture will organise the Pongal Art Festival 2026 in Erode district on January 15 and 16, as part of the State-wide celebrations marking the Thai Thirunal (Pongal).

In a release, Collector S. Kandasamy said the festival is being held in all 37 districts, on the lines of the popular Chennai Sangamam – Namma Ooru Thiruvizha, with the objective of bringing people together to celebrate the cultural essence of Pongal.

In Erode district, the cultural programmes will be held on January 15 at Periyar Nagar 80 Feet Road from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on January 16 at the V.O.C. Park playground from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The festival will showcase a wide range of traditional art forms, including Theru Koothu (street theatre), Kadavu Mathalam, Thol Pavaikoothu (shadow puppetry), Silambam, Thappattam, Naiyandi Melam, drama, and Bharatanatyam. Designed to familiarise the younger generation with rural life, agricultural traditions, and age-old customs, the festival aims to provide an engaging and joyful Pongal holiday experience.

The Collector has urged the public to attend the festival with their families, enjoy the traditional performances, and celebrate Pongal in a spirit of cultural pride and social harmony.