1. plural of pongal; a traditional South Indian harvest festival celebrated in January, especially in Tamil Nadu, marked by cooking a special rice dish and honoring the sun god.
Usage: cultural term; primarily used in Indian English and among Tamil communities
2. plural of pongal; a sweet rice dish made with newly harvested rice, jaggery, and lentils, traditionally prepared during the Pongal festival.
Usage: culinary term

Examples

• Families gather to celebrate pongals with traditional songs and dances.
• During pongals, the streets are decorated with colorful rangoli designs.
• The pongals festival marks the beginning of the Tamil month of Thai.
• Many households prepare special pongals dishes to share with neighbors.
• Pongals is a time when farmers give thanks for a good harvest.