The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the State of Kuwait hosted a vibrant Thai Pongal celebration on 24 January 2025, commemorating one of the most significant cultural festivals observed by Sri Lankan Tamils and Tamils worldwide. The festival, symbolizing gratitude, unity and prosperity, brought together over 400 attendees, including Sri Lankan community leaders in Kuwait, representatives of diverse religious communities and members of the Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora in Kuwait.
Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Kuwait, N. L. Abdul Haleem inaugurated the event with a heartfelt address, expressing gratitude to all participants for their active involvement in the celebration. He highlighted the universal values embodied by Thai Pongal, which transcend cultural boundaries to promote harmony and goodwill. He also conveyed messages from the President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, emphasizing the importance of national unity, inclusivity, resilience, and environmental sustainability.
The celebration featured various traditional and cultural activities that captivated the audience. A beautiful kolam symbolizing joy and prosperity, traditional Tamil dances, and poetry recitals added vibrancy to the festivities. The traditional Pongal ceremony involving the cooking of sweet rice in gratitude to nature and the sun, was a key highlight. The event also included a festive meal served to all attendees, further fostering a sense of togetherness and community spirit.
As part of the program, the Embassy presented mementos to Sri Lankan community leaders in Kuwait in recognition of their dedicated service and contributions to fostering harmony within the diaspora. The Chargé d’Affaires acknowledged the vital role of Sri Lankan migrant workers in Kuwait, appreciating their contributions to the economies of both the mother country and the host country. He urged the community to actively promote Sri Lanka as a top destination for Kuwaiti travelers and to contribute positively to the nation’s global image.
Furthermore, the Chargé d’Affaires highlighted the commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to fostering national unity and sustainable development, aligning the event with the “Green Sri Lanka” initiative. He encouraged the diaspora to adopt eco-friendly practices both in Kuwait and in Sri Lanka, and emphasized the collective responsibility to support the nation’s progress and resilience.
The celebration concluded on a high note, leaving attendees inspired, and reaffirming the Embassy’s commitment to promoting cultural heritage, community cohesion, and stronger bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Kuwait.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
State of Kuwait
31 January 2025
