Tamil communities in Sri Lanka and around the world mark the ‘Thai Pongal’ festival today (Jan. 14).

The festival, which is. regarded as one of the most important Tamil festivals, takes place on the first day of the Tamil month of Thai.

The day is spent expressing gratitude to the Sun God for blessing the fields with bountiful harvests with preparations beginning from boiling milk to signify prosperity and offering the sacred ‘Pongal’ dish to the Sun God.

This is followed by ‘Mattu Pongal’, where farmers express gratitude towards cattle for their efforts to ensure successful plantations.

The Ministry of Buddhism, Religious and Cultural Affairs had previously  announced that the National Thai Pongal celebration will be held in the Thellipalai area of Jaffna.

Thai Pongal values align profoundly with objectives of Clean Sri Lanka – President

Meanwhile, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his Thai Pongal message, underlined the festival’s deep cultural and spiritual significance, connecting it to Sri Lanka’s broader goals of environmental and societal renewal.

“The Thai Pongal festival, also known as the “Harvest Festival,” is observed with profound reverence by Tamil and Hindu communities worldwide. This significant occasion is dedicated to expressing gratitude to the Sun, the Earth, rain, and cattle for their indispensable contributions to a bountiful harvest,” the President noted, emphasizing the festival’s agricultural roots and its symbolic celebration of nature’s blessings.

He highlighted the festival’s association with renewal and coexistence, stating, “Beyond its agricultural significance, Thai Pongal embodies the spirit of renewal and symbolizes the values of harmony and coexistence within human society, both internally and externally.”

President Dissanayake also tied the festival’s values to Sri Lanka’s transformative “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, which aims to promote ecological and ethical progress. “At a time when Sri Lanka has embarked on the transformative “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, aimed at fostering ecological and ethical progress, the values symbolized by Thai Pongal align profoundly with the objectives of this initiative,” he added.

Concluding his message, the President called for collective action toward a sustainable and harmonious future. “I invite everyone to come together with a shared sense of purpose and commitment to ensure the prosperity and well-being of our nation, cherishing the joy and happiness that enrich the lives of all Sri Lankans. May this Thai Pongal celebration be a blessing and a guiding light, inspiring hope and optimism for a brighter future.”

The President extended his heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans and Hindu devotees around the world, wishing them a prosperous and joyous Thai Pongal filled with gratitude, harmony, and abundance.

President’s Thai Pongal Day Message in full :

“The Thai Pongal festival, also known as the “Harvest Festival,” is observed with profound reverence by Tamil and Hindu communities worldwide. This significant occasion is dedicated to expressing gratitude to the Sun, the Earth, rain, and cattle for their indispensable contributions to a bountiful harvest.

This festival is celebrated on the first day of the month of “Thai” according to the Tamil calendar. The festival marks the commencement of the Sun’s northward journey, referred to as “Uttarayana.” Beyond its agricultural significance, Thai Pongal embodies the spirit of renewal and symbolizes the values of harmony and coexistence within human society, both internally and externally.

This celebration signifies not only a pivotal shift in direction but also underscores the importance of harmonious coexistence—both within society and with the environment. At a time when Sri Lanka has embarked on the transformative “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, aimed at fostering ecological and ethical progress, the values symbolized by Thai Pongal align profoundly with the objectives of this initiative, reflecting the inseparable bond between humanity and nature.

Thai Pongal serves as a source of cultural rejuvenation, instilling renewed hope and inspiration in our collective lives. As we embrace the New Year with renewed vigor and aspirations for a “beautiful life,” we are presented with a significant opportunity to collaborate toward building an environmentally conscious and culturally enriched society.

By prioritizing sustainable development and championing lasting peace and unity, we reaffirm our commitment to leading with integrity, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to fulfilling our responsibilities to the nation and its people.

I invite everyone to come together with a shared sense of purpose and commitment to ensure the prosperity and well-being of our nation, cherishing the joy and happiness that enrich the lives of all Sri Lankans. May this Thai Pongal celebration be a blessing and a guiding light, inspiring hope and optimism for a brighter future.

I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans and Hindu devotees around the world for a prosperous and joyous Thai Pongal, filled with gratitude, harmony, and abundance!”