People call out பொங்கலோ பொங்கல் ｢poṅkalō poṅkal｣ when the pot of pongal boils over on the morning of Pongal. It is often explained as "may the rice boil over", and it is a happy cry that everyone joins in, not a greeting for one person.
பொங்கலோ பொங்கல்
poṅkalō poṅkal
May the rice boil over
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Word by word
In a conversation
- Speaker A
பால் பொங்குகிறது.
pāl poṅkukiṟatu.
The milk is boiling over.
- Speaker B
பொங்கலோ பொங்கல்.
poṅkalō poṅkal.
May the rice boil over.
When to say it
On the main day of Pongal, families cook new rice in milk in a clay pot, outside in the morning sun. Everyone stands around the pot and waits. When the milk rises and spills over the side, people call out பொங்கலோ பொங்கல், often all together. The overflowing pot is a sign of plenty for the year ahead, so the cry is full of joy.
Who says it
Everyone at the pot says it: grandparents, parents and children alike. There is no polite or casual form, so you can join in as a guest without worrying. You do not need to answer it. Just call it back with everyone else.
How it differs from the greeting
பொங்கலோ பொங்கல் belongs to the moment the pot boils over. To wish someone a happy Pongal when you meet them, or in a message, use இனிய பொங்கல் நல்வாழ்த்துகள் instead.
Related phrases
Happy Pongal
இனிய பொங்கல் நல்வாழ்த்துகள்