Kailesh Thanabalasingham
The New Zealand Sri Lanka Forced Migrants’ Support Group Inc celebrated Tamil Thai Pongal on January 17, 2015 at the Ambury Regional Park (Mangere Bridge) in Auckland.
The event, fifth in an annual series, was well attended by Tamilians of Indian and Sri Lankan origin.
Although Pongal Day was actually on January 15, we celebrated the Festival on Saturday for the convenience of the community.
Thai Pongal is a very important day for Tamilians living all over the world.
Sun’s Transition
Thai Pongal is celebrated on the first day of the Tamil Month ‘Thai.’ The actual day differs between years, since it is determined by the entry of Sun into Capricorn, beginning northward journey for a six-month period.
The day also marks the end of southeast monsoons.
Pongal is an observance to show our gratitude to those who helped us in the bountiful harvest (including Sun God, Nature, Cattle and the equipment used), rejoice and share our joy and happiness.
Although basically a harvest festival of farmers, Pongal has become a major Festival for Tamilians. Pongal also signifies prosperity. The boiling of milk, which seethes up and spills over, is a propitious symbol of abundance. It denotes that happiness, joy, and love should seethe from your inner self and spill onto others around.
Charitable body
Established in 2008 and registered as a Charity, The New Zealand Sri Lanka Forced Migrants’ Support Group Inc works closely with refugees to resettle in New Zealand.
We can be contacted for any assistance in refugee matters and resettlement.
Kailesh Thanabalasingham is Secretary of the New Zealand Sri Lanka Forced Migrants’ Support Group Inc based in Auckland.
Photo: Community member Thurairajah Rasathurai lighting the traditional Lamp next to the pot of Pongal at the Auckland Festival
