“The Thai Pongal festival, also known as the ‘Harvest Festival’, holds deep cultural significance for Tamil communities worldwide. Traditionally celebrated during the harvest season, it symbolises gratitude and prosperity. Understanding the true essence of Thai Pongal is essential.
Rooted in an agricultural lifestyle, the festival embodies thankfulness to the Sun, rain, nature, and cattle, which play a vital role in sustaining livelihoods and ensuring abundant crops. This practice of gratitude offers a profound lesson that should be embraced and integrated into society for future generations.
“For a ruling party entrusted with governing a nation, fulfilling public responsibilities can be seen as a form of gratitude and accountability to the people who have bestowed that trust, drawing a parallel with the deeper message of Thai Pongal. Initially celebrated by farming communities, Thai Pongal has evolved into a national festival for all Tamil people, transcending ethnic and religious boundaries.
“In our multi-religious, multi-ethnic, and multilingual nation, celebrating Thai Pongal together as a national festival can foster unity through diversity and help preserve our cultural heritage. With heartfelt joy, we extend our warm wishes to all Sri Lankans celebrating Thai Pongal, a festival with a rich history spanning over a thousand years. May everyone has a blessed and auspicious Thai Pongal.”
