For noble Torajas the tongkonan remains fundamentally entwined with toraja identity, rank, and ritual activity. Torajas derive pride from having kin ties to a renowned tongkonan (tongkonan layuk). Those whose tongkonans have been neglected and unfeted may attempt to regain their prestige by sponsoring a tongkonan "thanksgiving" ritual (mangrara banua).

In this ritual relatives of the Tongkonan came from far away to assert their ties to the Tongkonan by bringing offerings of whimsically decorated live pigs to the Mangrara ritual, the Tongkonan thanksgiving.