At the Chennai home of Subbu Subramanian, Pongal is an “intense” and unique celebration. “In most communities, only one pot of pongal is prepared per household. But in Chettinad households ...

This is also the most important day of the festival. When the milk boils over the pot, family members shout “Pongalo Pongal!" The Pongal is then offered to the Sun God first and then people eat it.

The second day of the Pongal festival, Surya Pongal ... a clay vessel and presented to Surya as a sign of gratitude. The pot's overflow is thought to represent the wealth and prosperity that ...

On the day of Surya Pongal, it is important to cook the new rice. Every house cooks a pot of new rice with milk and when the milk boils over the pot, family members shout "Pongal-o-Pongal".

Thai Pongal (Jan 14), marks the main festival and is observed by preparing the Pongal dish in a new clay pot. "The milk is allowed to boil over as families chant ‘Pongalo Pongal’, symbolising ...