Pongal

This festival is celebrated in the state of Tamil Nadu in South India. The word 'Pongal' in Tamil means ""boiling over or spill over"" which is an act that is considered to denote good wishes for the family. Pongal is like a thanksgiving on which the farmer pay their respect to the nature that is their farm and their cattle for being helpful during the harvest. Pongal is celebrated with huge pomp and show in Tamil Nadu because this day marks the beginning of Tamil New Year. As the rice boils over and bubbles out of the pot, the tradition is to shout of ""Ponggalo Ponggal!"" accompanied by blowing a conch which is a custom practiced since ages for bringing good luck to the land.