Sri Lanka Embassy in Washington DC began its calendar of events for the year, with a colorful celebration of the Hindu harvest festival, Thai Pongal on Tuesday (Jan 15) amidst a large gathering of Hindu devotees of the Sri Lankan American community , representatives Sri Lanka associations and US officials . Swami Sivanatha Kurukkal recited prayers and conducted religious activities according to Hindu traditions.
Proceeding of the evening commenced with lighting of the traditional oil lamp. Chargé d'Affaires Ambassador Esala Weerakoon welcomed the guests and conveyed warm greetings from Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya .
The program also featured a special talk on “The significance of Thai Pongal” by Mrs. Kanaga Ranganthan Swami Sivanatha Kurukkal while offering Hindu prayers, presented the offering of Pongal to Lord Ganesh and Deities. He blessed the Presidents of Sri Lanka and the US, the people of the two countries, and all participants.
Later, the guests enjoyed a Sri Lankan Vegetarian dinner.
US Deputy Assistant Secretaries of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Dr. Alyssa Ayres and James Moore, US Government officials, Hindu American Foundation representatives, journalists and Sri Lankan community leaders of the Greater Washington were present .
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Washington
15th January 2013
