The Official Website of the Royal Family of Jaffna (Sri Lanka)

Arya Cakravarti Dynasty

THAI PONGAL MESSAGE ISSUED BY
H.R.H. RAJA REMIGIUS KANAGARAJAH OF JAFFNA

On the occasion of the Thai Pongal Festival I extend my greetings and my best wishes to all the Sri Lankan Hindu devotees and Hindus around the world, may this Thai Pongal bring peace, prosperity and happiness now and throughout the year.

Thai Pongal is celebrated on the first day of the month Thai of the Tamil calendar, which usually falls on January 14 or 15. Thai Pongal is a harvest festival equivalent to a thanksgiving event celebrated by the Tamil people across the world.

For Thai Pongal, the homes are freshly painted, swept and cleared. Doorways are marked with kumkum, turmeric and sandalwood paste. Colourful garlands of flowers and mango leaves are hung on the doors. The courtyard in front of each home is decorated with Kolams to usher good fortune.

The Pongal is prepared at sunrise and preparing the dish is the most important part of the celebration. It is traditionally dedicated to the Sun God to thank the solar deity for the good harvest and sanctifies the first grain to him on this "Surya Mangalyam".

Thai Pongal is also an occasion for family reunion and a chance to get together.

I wish you all a Happy Thai Pongal!

May the blessings of Lord Sri Kailasanathar be upon you all!

Rajadhani Nilayam
The Netherlands