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Thai Pongal celebrated across the globe

Tamils gathered in their communities across the globe to celebrate the traditional harvest festival of ‘Thai Pongal’ on January 14 2015.

In the North-East, Jaffna University students celebrated by drawing a Kolam at the university entrance and cooking a traditional sweet rice, called ‘pongal’ over an open fire.


In Batticaloa, Tamils celebrated Pongal over open fires in their homes, businesses, temples and churches.

In the Vali southwest region,  a Pongal cricket competation was held at the Manippai Sellamuththu sports ground.

British university students gathered at the School of African and Oriental Studies, SOAS, and handed out food to passing by students.

Several families in the UK celebrated the festival, including the Labour Party’s parliamentary candidate for Harrow East, Uma Kumaran, who was joined by the local mayor, celebrated the festival with her local constituents at the Harrow Council chambers.

In Canada the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) held its annual Thai Pongal dinner. The Canadian parliamentarian, Rathika Sitsabaiesan, also marked the event with her local constituents.


The Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, marked the Tamil festival, and highlighted “the community’s important contributions to Canadian life.” The mayors of Toronto and Brampton extended further wishes to the Tamil community.

In Germany, Tamils gathered in Berlin to hold a showcase of dance and music.

See also:

Jaffna Uni students celebrate Thai Pongal (15 Jan 2015)

Thai Pongal celebrated in Batticaloa (15 Jan 2015)

Canadian mayors praise Tamil community on Thai Pongal (14 Jan 2015)

Canadian Prime Minister wishes Tamils for Thai Pongal (14 Jan 2015)

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