Across the world, foreign embassies and world leaders have offered messages celebrating the Tamil harvest festival, Thai Pongal.
The US State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs stated on Twitter:
On the ancient harvest festival of Thai Pongal, we extend our warmest wishes to Tamils around the region. As families gather for this celebration of abundance, thanksgiving and renewal, we wish the Tamil community a healthy and prosperous festival!
— State_SCA (@State_SCA) January 13, 2022
China’s Embassy in Sri Lanka tweeted:
பொங்கலோ பொங்கல்! அனைவருக்கும் இனிய பொங்கல் நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள்!#HappyPongal #ThaiPongal #HarvestFestival pic.twitter.com/7uHTVtUQtl
— Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka (@ChinaEmbSL) January 14, 2022
Britain's Prime Minister, Boris Johnson released a statement on Twitter and wishing the Tamil community a happy Pongal:
Prime Minister Boris Johnson wishes the UK Tamil community, and Tamils around the world a happy Thai Pongal.
இனிய பொங்கல் திருநாள் நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள். pic.twitter.com/cG49kh2Hyp
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) January 14, 2022
Labour Party leader Keir Starmer tweeted a message this morning, marking the festival and stating that “Labour will always stand by the Tamil people in their pursuit of true peace and justice”.
Thai Pongal Valthukkal! On behalf of @UKLabour I wish Tamils in the UK and across the world a happy and bountiful Pongal.
Labour will always stand by the Tamil people in their pursuit of true peace and justice.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) January 14, 2022
London Mayor, Sadiq Khan posted on Twitter:
Wishing a very happy Thai Pongal to Tamils in London and those celebrating across the world. May this harvest festival bring you and your loved ones prosperity, health and happiness. Pongal Vazhthukkal! pic.twitter.com/lNOehjcgmP
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) January 14, 2022
Elliot Colburn, MP for Carshalton and Wallington and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils (APPGT), also wished the Tamil community in a video message.
“January has been declared by the London Assembly as the Tamil Heritage Month; marking the contributions that Tamils make all across our capital," Colburn said.
“I’d also like to place on record out thanks for everything the tamil community does to make our country a better place to live, work and raise a family," he added.
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