Cultural Section of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Moscow organized the Thai Pongal day celebration on 14 January 2021. This is the harvest festival celebrated by the Hindu community all around the world. Sri Lanka, being a multi-national and a multi-religious country, celebrates festivals of many beliefs and Thai Pongal is one of the most remarkable festivals, which is arranged to appreciate the nature, the sun and cattle for helping to get a rich harvest.
The ceremony commenced with lighting the candles of traditional Kolam designs and offering of Pongal rice to the God. Prof. M. D. Lamawansa, H. E. the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Russia, participated in boiling over of milk ceremony and addressed the gathering congratulating those who celebrate Thai Pongal. In his speech, H. E. the Ambassador underlined the importance of celebrating this tradition in the Embassy for Tamils residing in Russia, and other five countries of accreditation: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova and Uzbekistan.
Felicitation message of the President of Sri Lanka, H. E. Gotabaya Rajapaksa was read out by Ms. K. R. N. Sandamali, Attache of the Embassy. In his message H.E. the President extended his best wishes to Tamil community who celebrates the Tai Pongal festival. Mr. N. M. M. Anas, Minister Counsellor, made a speech explaining the traditions of the holiday to the Russian participants of the ceremony. The event was organized and compered by Ms. Nirosha K. Herath, First Secretary.
According to tradition, the festival marks the end of winter solstice. It is named after the ceremonial "Pongal", which means "to boil, overflow" and refers to the traditional dish prepared from the new harvest of rice boiled in milk with jaggery. It is traditionally an occasion for offering prayers in home, temples, getting together with family and friends, and exchanging gifts to renew social bonds of solidarity. Tai Pongal symbolizes love and peace, freedom and unity of people. On this day, you should forgive the offenders, forget the enmity and unite, visit your family and friends.
