The popular harvest festival of the Tamil-Hindu communities known as Thai Pongal was celebrated on 14 th January 2014 at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Paris with the participation of staff members and a large number of Sri Lankans of all communities living in Paris.
Amid decorations of mango and coconut leaves, flowers and the traditional colorful Kolam (floor decoration) depicting the sun and natural elements related to Mother Earth, a “ Pooja ” ceremony was performed by Hindu priest Ganesh Kumar from the Sri Manicka Vinayakar Alayam Temple in Paris bestowing blessings upon the Ambassador, staff members and guests present.
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to France H.E Professor Hangawatte extended best wishes to all present for the year 2014 while wishing unity, success and prosperity for the future of Sri Lanka.
Ambassador Hangawatte commented on the origin and the influence of Buddhism and Hinduism in solidifying cross-cultural bonds between the ethnic communities in Sri Lanka for many centuries. He further opined that despite the momentary period of conflict faced by the people of Sri Lanka, we are now steadily moving towards progress and development for the benefit of the entire country and all of the people of Sri Lanka relying, as before, on our common cultural bonds.
Guests were offered a breakfast of Pongal rice with fruit and other traditional sweetmeats prepared for the occasion.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Paris
17 th January 2014
