Chingucha Chingucha
From Porkkaalam · 1997
- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singer
- K. S. Chithra
- Music director
- Deva Chorus : ……………………………
- Details
- Porkkaalam1997
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Female | |
| Jinguchaa jinguchaa | Jinguchaa jinguchaa |
| Segappu coloru jinguchaa | Red colored jinguchaa |
| Pachcha coloru jinguchaa | Green colored jinguchaa |
| Manja coloru jinguchaa | Yellow colored jinguchaa |
| Vanna vanna saelaiga | Colorful sarees |
| Vasadhiyaana saelaiga | Comfortable sarees |
| Vaanavilla puzhunjivandhu | As if squeezed out of a rainbow |
| Saayampotta saelaiga | Sarees dyed with vibrant colors |
| Female | |
| Koodu thaavi odum enga | Leaping across boundaries |
| Ullam odum saelaiga | Sarees that move our hearts |
| Urudhiyaana saelaiga | Durable sarees |
| Uduthuvaanga ezhainga | Sarees worn by poor people |
| Female | |
| Jinguchaa jinguchaa | Jinguchaa jinguchaa |
| Segappu coloru jinguchaa | Red colored jinguchaa |
| Pachcha coloru jinguchaa | Green colored jinguchaa |
| Manja coloru jinguchaa | Yellow colored jinguchaa |
| Chorus | |
| …………………………….. | ... |
| Female | |
| Pulla porandhaa | When a child is born |
| Aaa kanna thorandhaa | And opens its eyes |
| Thottil katta | To tie a cradle |
| Munnaal varum saela | The saree comes forward |
| Female | |
| Ponnu oruthi | When a young girl |
| Ada poovaa samanjaa | Attains puberty like a blossoming flower |
| Sondham ellaam | All the relatives |
| Kondu varum saela | Bring sarees as gifts |
| Female | |
| Jing chaa jinguchaa | Jing chaa jinguchaa |
| Saela chatham jinguchaa | Sound of the saree, jinguchaa |
| Saela paattu jinguchaa | Song of the saree, jinguchaa |
| Female | |
| Penpaarkka pogayilum | When going to see a bride |
| Saeladhaan saeladhaan | It is saree and saree alone |
| Kalyaanam nichayamaa | When fixing the marriage |
| Saeladhaan saeladhaan | It is saree and saree alone |
| Seervarisa endradhumae | When custom gifts are brought |
| Saeladhaan saeladhaan | It is saree and saree alone |
| Seedhanathil mudhalvarisa | In the gift line, the top choice |
| Saeladhaan saeladhaan | Is saree and saree alone |
| Female | |
| Kalyaana medayila | On the wedding dais |
| Kattuvadhum saeladhaan | What is tied/worn is saree |
| Kattilukku verudhinusil | For different nightwear on bed |
| Kattuvadhum saeladhaan | What is wrapped is saree |
| Female | |
| Jinguchaa jinguchaa | Jinguchaa jinguchaa |
| Segappu coloru jinguchaa | Red colored jinguchaa |
| Pachcha coloru jinguchaa | Green colored jinguchaa |
| Manja coloru jinguchaa | Yellow colored jinguchaa |
| Chorus | |
| ………………………… | ... |
| Female | |
| Engae ponaalum | Wherever you go |
| Yaar enna sonnaalum | Whoever says whatever |
| Nam panbaattukku | To our rich culture |
| Peru sollum saela | The saree brings glory |
| Female | |
| Saalvaar kameesu | Salwar kameez |
| Adhu ellaam thamaasu | That is all just a joke |
| Ada sandhoshatha | Ah, true happiness |
| Alli tharum saela | Is given generously by the saree |
| Female | |
| Jingchaa jinguchaa | Jingchaa jinguchaa |
| Komarikkundhaan jinguchaa | For young women, jinguchaa |
| Kezhavikkundhaan jinguchaa | For old women too, jinguchaa |
| Female | |
| Indhiragandhi kattiyadhum | Even what Indira Gandhi draped |
| Saeladhaan saeladhaan | Was saree, indeed saree |
| Ammanukku chaathuradhum | What is draped on Goddesses |
| Saeladhaan saeladhaan | Is saree, indeed saree |
| Vellakkaari inga vandhaa | If a foreign woman comes here |
| Saeladhaan saeladhaan | It is saree, indeed saree |
| Velinaattilum namma ponnunga | Even abroad, our girls wear |
| Saeladhaan saeladhaan | Saree, indeed saree |
| Female | |
| Naagareegam maarumbodhum | Even as civilization changes |
| Maaridaadha saeladhaan | The saree remains unchanged |
| Vaazhkkaiyoda kadaisivaraikkum | Till the very end of life |
| Varuvadhindha saeladhaan | What accompanies us is this saree |
| Female | |
| Jinguchaa jinguchaa | Jinguchaa jinguchaa |
| Segappu coloru jinguchaa | Red colored jinguchaa |
| Pachcha coloru jinguchaa | Green colored jinguchaa |
| Manja coloru jinguchaa | Yellow colored jinguchaa |
| Female | |
| Vanna vanna saelaiga | Colorful sarees |
| Vasadhiyaana saelaiga | Comfortable sarees |
| Vaanavilla puzhunjivandhu | As if squeezed out of a rainbow |
| Saayampotta saelaiga | Sarees dyed with vibrant colors |
| Female | |
| Koodu thaavi odum enga | Leaping across boundaries |
| Ullam odum saelaiga | Sarees that move our hearts |
| Urudhiyaana saelaiga | Durable sarees |
| Uduthuvaanga ezhainga | Sarees worn by poor people |
| Female | |
| Jinguchaa jinguchaa | Jinguchaa jinguchaa |
| Segappu coloru jinguchaa | Red colored jinguchaa |
| Pachcha coloru jinguchaa | Green colored jinguchaa |
| Manja coloru jinguchaa | Yellow colored jinguchaa |
| Haan jinguchaa | Yes jinguchaa |
| Haan jinguchaa …………… | Yes jinguchaa... |
ஹோய் ஹோய் ஹோய் ஹோய்
ஹோய்ஹோய் ஹோய்
ஜிம்ச்சஜம் சம்சஜம் சஜம்
ஹோய் ஹோய் ஹோய் ஹோய்
ஹோய்ஹோய் ஹோய்
ஜிம்ச்சஜம் சம்சஜம் சஜம்
Jinguchaa jinguchaa
Red colored jinguchaa
Green colored jinguchaa
Yellow colored jinguchaa
Colorful sarees
Comfortable sarees
As if squeezed out of a rainbow
Sarees dyed with vibrant colors
சிங்குச்சா சிங்குச்சா
செகப்பு கலரு சிங்குச்சா
பச்சை கலரு சிங்குச்சா
மஞ்சள் கலரு சிங்குச்சா
Leaping across boundaries
Sarees that move our hearts
Durable sarees
Sarees worn by poor people
வண்ண வண்ண சேலைக
வசதியான சேலைக
வானவில்ல புழிஞ்சு வந்து
சாயம் போட்ட சேலைக
கூடு தாவி ஓடும் எங்க
உள்ளம் ஓடும் சேலைக
உறுதியான சேலைக
உடுத்துவாங்க ஏழைங்க
Jinguchaa jinguchaa
Red colored jinguchaa
Green colored jinguchaa
Yellow colored jinguchaa
சிங்குச்சா சிங்குச்சா
செகப்பு கலரு சிங்குச்சா
பச்சை கலரு சிங்குச்சா
மஞ்சள் கலரு சிங்குச்சா
...
..........................
When a child is born
And opens its eyes
To tie a cradle
The saree comes forward
புள்ள பொறந்தா
அ கண்ண தொறந்தா
தொட்டில் கட்ட
முன்னால் வரும் சேலை
When a young girl
Attains puberty like a blossoming flower
All the relatives
Bring sarees as gifts
பொண்ணு ஒருத்தி
அட பூவா சமைஞ்சா
சொந்தம் எல்லாம்
கொண்டு வரும் சேலை
Jing chaa jinguchaa
Sound of the saree, jinguchaa
Song of the saree, jinguchaa
சிங் சா சிங்குச்சா
சேலை சத்தம் சிங்குச்சா
சேலை பாட்டு சிங்குச்சா
When going to see a bride
It is saree and saree alone
When fixing the marriage
It is saree and saree alone
When custom gifts are brought
It is saree and saree alone
In the gift line, the top choice
Is saree and saree alone
பெண் பார்க்க போகையிலும்
சேலைதான் சேலைதான்
கல்யாணம் நிச்சயமா
சேலைதான் சேலைதான்
சீர் வரிசை என்றதுமே
சேலைதான் சேலைதான்
சீதனத்தில் முதல் வரிசை
சேலைதான் சேலைதான்
On the wedding dais
What is tied/worn is saree
For different nightwear on bed
What is wrapped is saree
கல்யாண மேடையில
கட்டுவதும் சேலைதான்
கட்டிலுக்கு வேற தினுசு
கொட்டுவதும் சேலைதான்
Jinguchaa jinguchaa
Red colored jinguchaa
Green colored jinguchaa
Yellow colored jinguchaa
சிங்குச்சா சிங்குச்சா
செகப்பு கலரு சிங்குச்சா
பச்சை கலரு சிங்குச்சா
மஞ்சள் கலரு சிங்குச்சா
...
ஹோய் ஹோய் ஹோய் ஹோய்
ஹோய்ஹோய் ஹோய்
ஜிம்ச்சஜம் சம்சஜம் சஜம்
ஹோய் ஹோய் ஹோய் ஹோய்
ஹோய்ஹோய் ஹோய்
ஜிம்ச்சஜம் சம்சஜம் சஜம்
Wherever you go
Whoever says whatever
To our rich culture
The saree brings glory
எங்கே போனாலும்
யார் என்ன சொன்னாலும்
நம் பண்பாட்டுக்கு
பேரு சொல்லும் சேலை
Salwar kameez
That is all just a joke
Ah, true happiness
Is given generously by the saree
சல்வார் கம்மீசு
அது எல்லாம் தமாசு
அட சந்தோஷத்த
அள்ளி தரும் சேலை
Jingchaa jinguchaa
For young women, jinguchaa
For old women too, jinguchaa
சிங் சா சிங்குச்சா
கொமரிக்கும்தான் சிங்குச்சா
கெழவிக்கும்தான் சிங்குச்சா
Even what Indira Gandhi draped
Was saree, indeed saree
What is draped on Goddesses
Is saree, indeed saree
If a foreign woman comes here
It is saree, indeed saree
Even abroad, our girls wear
Saree, indeed saree
இந்திரா காந்தி கட்டியதும்
சேலைதான் சேலைதான்
அம்மனுக்கு சாத்துரதும்
சேலைதான் சேலைதான்
வெள்ளைக்காரி இங்க வந்தா
சேலைதான் சேலைதான்
வெளிநாட்டிலும் நம்ம பொண்ணுங்க
சேலைதான் சேலைதான்
Even as civilization changes
The saree remains unchanged
Till the very end of life
What accompanies us is this saree
நாகரிகம் மாறும் போதும்
மாறிடாத சேலைதான்
வாழ்க்கையோட கடைசி வரைக்கும்
வருவது இந்த சேலைதான்
Jinguchaa jinguchaa
Red colored jinguchaa
Green colored jinguchaa
Yellow colored jinguchaa
சிங்குச்சா சிங்குச்சா
செகப்பு கலரு சிங்குச்சா
பச்சை கலரு சிங்குச்சா
மஞ்சள் கலரு சிங்குச்சா
Colorful sarees
Comfortable sarees
As if squeezed out of a rainbow
Sarees dyed with vibrant colors
வண்ண வண்ண சேலைக
வசதியான சேலைக
வானவில்ல புழிஞ்சு வந்து
சாயம் போட்ட சேலைக
கூடு தாவி ஓடும் எங்க
உள்ளம் ஓடும் சேலைக
உறுதியான சேலைக
உடுத்துவாங்க ஏழைங்க
Leaping across boundaries
Sarees that move our hearts
Durable sarees
Sarees worn by poor people
சிங்குச்சா சிங்குச்சா
செகப்பு கலரு சிங்குச்சா
பச்சை கலரு சிங்குச்சா
மஞ்சள் கலரு சிங்குச்சா
ஹ சிங்குச்சா.....
ஹ சிங்குச்சா.....
Jinguchaa jinguchaa
Red colored jinguchaa
Green colored jinguchaa
Yellow colored jinguchaa
Yes jinguchaa
Yes jinguchaa...
Jinguchaa jinguchaa
Jinguchaa jinguchaa
Segappu coloru jinguchaa
Red colored jinguchaa
Pachcha coloru jinguchaa
Green colored jinguchaa
Manja coloru jinguchaa
Yellow colored jinguchaa
Vanna vanna saelaiga
Colorful sarees
Vasadhiyaana saelaiga
Comfortable sarees
Vaanavilla puzhunjivandhu
As if squeezed out of a rainbow
Saayampotta saelaiga
Sarees dyed with vibrant colors
Koodu thaavi odum enga
Leaping across boundaries
Ullam odum saelaiga
Sarees that move our hearts
Urudhiyaana saelaiga
Durable sarees
Uduthuvaanga ezhainga
Sarees worn by poor people
Jinguchaa jinguchaa
Jinguchaa jinguchaa
Segappu coloru jinguchaa
Red colored jinguchaa
Pachcha coloru jinguchaa
Green colored jinguchaa
Manja coloru jinguchaa
Yellow colored jinguchaa
……………………………..
...
Pulla porandhaa
When a child is born
Aaa kanna thorandhaa
And opens its eyes
Thottil katta
To tie a cradle
Munnaal varum saela
The saree comes forward
Ponnu oruthi
When a young girl
Ada poovaa samanjaa
Attains puberty like a blossoming flower
Sondham ellaam
All the relatives
Kondu varum saela
Bring sarees as gifts
Jing chaa jinguchaa
Jing chaa jinguchaa
Saela chatham jinguchaa
Sound of the saree, jinguchaa
Saela paattu jinguchaa
Song of the saree, jinguchaa
Penpaarkka pogayilum
When going to see a bride
Saeladhaan saeladhaan
It is saree and saree alone
Kalyaanam nichayamaa
When fixing the marriage
Saeladhaan saeladhaan
It is saree and saree alone
Seervarisa endradhumae
When custom gifts are brought
Saeladhaan saeladhaan
It is saree and saree alone
Seedhanathil mudhalvarisa
In the gift line, the top choice
Saeladhaan saeladhaan
Is saree and saree alone
Kalyaana medayila
On the wedding dais
Kattuvadhum saeladhaan
What is tied/worn is saree
Kattilukku verudhinusil
For different nightwear on bed
Kattuvadhum saeladhaan
What is wrapped is saree
Jinguchaa jinguchaa
Jinguchaa jinguchaa
Segappu coloru jinguchaa
Red colored jinguchaa
Pachcha coloru jinguchaa
Green colored jinguchaa
Manja coloru jinguchaa
Yellow colored jinguchaa
…………………………
...
Engae ponaalum
Wherever you go
Yaar enna sonnaalum
Whoever says whatever
Nam panbaattukku
To our rich culture
Peru sollum saela
The saree brings glory
Saalvaar kameesu
Salwar kameez
Adhu ellaam thamaasu
That is all just a joke
Ada sandhoshatha
Ah, true happiness
Alli tharum saela
Is given generously by the saree
Jingchaa jinguchaa
Jingchaa jinguchaa
Komarikkundhaan jinguchaa
For young women, jinguchaa
Kezhavikkundhaan jinguchaa
For old women too, jinguchaa
Indhiragandhi kattiyadhum
Even what Indira Gandhi draped
Saeladhaan saeladhaan
Was saree, indeed saree
Ammanukku chaathuradhum
What is draped on Goddesses
Saeladhaan saeladhaan
Is saree, indeed saree
Vellakkaari inga vandhaa
If a foreign woman comes here
Saeladhaan saeladhaan
It is saree, indeed saree
Velinaattilum namma ponnunga
Even abroad, our girls wear
Saeladhaan saeladhaan
Saree, indeed saree
Naagareegam maarumbodhum
Even as civilization changes
Maaridaadha saeladhaan
The saree remains unchanged
Vaazhkkaiyoda kadaisivaraikkum
Till the very end of life
Varuvadhindha saeladhaan
What accompanies us is this saree
Jinguchaa jinguchaa
Jinguchaa jinguchaa
Segappu coloru jinguchaa
Red colored jinguchaa
Pachcha coloru jinguchaa
Green colored jinguchaa
Manja coloru jinguchaa
Yellow colored jinguchaa
Vanna vanna saelaiga
Colorful sarees
Vasadhiyaana saelaiga
Comfortable sarees
Vaanavilla puzhunjivandhu
As if squeezed out of a rainbow
Saayampotta saelaiga
Sarees dyed with vibrant colors
Koodu thaavi odum enga
Leaping across boundaries
Ullam odum saelaiga
Sarees that move our hearts
Urudhiyaana saelaiga
Durable sarees
Uduthuvaanga ezhainga
Sarees worn by poor people
Jinguchaa jinguchaa
Jinguchaa jinguchaa
Segappu coloru jinguchaa
Red colored jinguchaa
Pachcha coloru jinguchaa
Green colored jinguchaa
Manja coloru jinguchaa
Yellow colored jinguchaa
Haan jinguchaa
Yes jinguchaa
Haan jinguchaa ……………
Yes jinguchaa...
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This lively and celebratory song from the 1997 Tamil movie Porkkaalam pays rich homage to the traditional Indian saree, illustrating its central presence in every phase of a person's life. Lyricist Vairamuthu highlights how a saree is indispensable from birth—where it is tied to form a baby's cradle—to puberty, matchmaking, wedding rituals, daily comfort, and religious offerings to village deities. The song playfully contrasts modern clothing like salwar kameez with the timeless grace and cultural dignity of the saree. It highlights that the saree transcends age, class, and nationality, worn equally by rural working-class women, world leaders like Indira Gandhi, and even foreign visitors embracing Tamil tradition. Ultimately, it celebrates the saree as an enduring symbol of heritage that accompanies a woman through her entire life journey.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Hyperbole / Imagery
“Vaanavilla puzhunjivandhu / Saayampotta saelaiga”
Describing saree dye as if liquid colors were squeezed directly out of a rainbow creates vivid poetic visual imagery.
Epistrophe (Repetition)
“Saeladhaan saeladhaan”
The repetition of 'Saeladhaan saeladhaan' at the end of consecutive lines emphasizes that the saree is the ultimate and irreplaceable element in every event.
Aedhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Saalvaar kameesu / Adhu ellaam thamaasu”
Rhyming second letters in adjacent lines, such as 'Saalvaar' and 'Adhu', or 'Engae' and 'Yaar', creating rhythmic flow.
Monaai (Initial Alliteration)
“Vanna vanna saelaiga / Vasadhiyaana saelaiga / Vaanavilla puzhunjivandhu”
Matching initial consonant sound 'V' across multiple consecutive descriptive lines.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Porkkaalam' (1997), directed by Cheran, features music composed by Deva. The film's backdrop prominently features rural livelihood and handloom culture, making this celebratory song about sarees deeply resonant with the movie's core themes.
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