The Sri Lanka High Commission in Canada celebrated Thai Pongal on 19 January 2020 at the Official Residence of the High Commissioner amidst a large gathering.
The celebrations commenced with a welcome address followed by the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Canada, Asoka Girihagama, Mrs. Sudarma Girihagama, a representative of the Sri Lankan community in Ottawa and representatives of the Tamil community in Ottawa.
After the reading of the Thai Pongal message by H. E the President of Sri Lanka, High Commissioner Girihagama addressed the gathering.
In his address, High Commissioner Girihagama spoke of the significance of Thai Pongal and the need to be thankful to nature for the bountiful harvest. He also recognized the importance of agriculture and farm animals and the role played by nature in reaping a good harvest. He noted that Thai Pongal also heralded new hope to farmers by marking the end of the winter season and the beginning of the first Tamil month of ‘Thai’ which brought joy and prosperity to families.
The High Commissioner also stated that festivals such as the Thai Pongal highlighted the richness of the multi-religious, multi ethnic and multi-cultural aspects of Sri Lanka where everyone has lived in harmony for centuries and concluded by wishing the gathering on the occasion.
Thereafter, the Pongal was prepared according to tradition with the performance of connected rituals by representatives of the Tamil community in Ottawa. The guests were served a sumptuous vegetarian lunch.
