Wellington, January 4, 2021
The Wellington Muthamizh Sangam is organising its Annual Pongal Day on January 16, 2021 at Avalon Park located at 61 Taita Drive.
Sangam Secretary Yogesh Ambalaghan said that the Festival will be held from 2 pm to 5 pm.
Pongal is a traditional, Tamilian way of thanksgiving and welcoming the harvest season, he said.
“Let us beckon fresh beginnings and spread positive vibes through Pongal, which is also known as the Harvest Festival. It is an acknowledgment of the tireless efforts of our farmers who work hard to put food on our table,” he said.
About Pongal
Mr Ambalaghan said that Pongal is being celebrated in Tamil Nadu at least over the past 2000 years and that it signifies a new beginning.
“Pongal occurs in the Tamil month of Thai (corresponding to January-February). It is the month in which crops such as sugarcane and rice are harvested. The Festival is often celebrated over four days with many exciting activities for the community,” he said.
Pongal derives its name from sweetened rice dish made on the first day.
The main ingredients are rice, milk, and jaggery, with the rice from the first harvest of the year.
Family celebration
“On the first day of Pongal, families gather at dawn to make the dish. As the milk boils in a clay pot, people watch intently for the milk to overflow, symbolising prosperity. Excitement and happiness abound as people loudly say, ‘Pongalo Pongal.’ The Festival pays homage to Mother Earth and reminds us the importance of staying connected to nature,” Mr Ambalaghan said.
The event is open to all and will include preparation of Pongal by 21 women from various communities, prayers and games for men, women and children.
However, guests are requested to register their names by following this link:
https://forms.gle/TCRCRdzy4VZNiNCt6
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