The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka for Southern India celebrated Thai Pongal with the participation of Mission staff on the morning of 14 January 2026 at the Chancery premises. The Chancery was decorated with traditional kolam designs, sugarcane, turmeric plants, and flowers, creating a festive and auspicious atmosphere. All the sacred rituals were performed by Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, Deputy High Commissioner, together with his spouse, Mrs. Krithiga Devi. Thai Pongal is dedicated to Surya and is the most important day of the four-day harvest festival celebrated by Tamils across India. The festival symbolizes thanksgiving, prosperity, wealth, unity, and new beginnings. The main ritual of the day was the preparation of the traditional Pongal dish in a clay pot. As the milk boiled over, symbolizing abundance and prosperity, the gathering joyfully exclaimed “Pongalo Pongal,” expressing hopes for happiness, success, and good fortune. The freshly prepared Pongal was first offered to Surya, the Sun God, as a gesture of gratitude for nature’s blessings. Special prayers were conducted seeking prosperity, harmony, and well-being for Sri Lanka, the Mission, and all staff members and their families.
