Thai Pongal ~ The festival to celebrate prosperity

Much awaited moment ~ the "Spill Over"

தைப் பொங்கல் ~ Thai Pongal is celebrated on 15th of January 2012 by the Tamils all over the world. It’s a festival of thanks giving. It is also known as harvest festival. The month of Thai is considered auspicious by the Tamils, which will last from 15th of January 2012 to 13th of February 2012. Weddings take place during the month of Thai.

“Traditional values are rapidly disappearing from practice. We ought to preserve them for many generations to come" shares Indumathy Kanagasabapathipillai.


Vermilion,holy ash and sandalwood are considered auspicious by the Hindus

There is a famous saying in Tamil “தை பிறந்தால் வழி பிறக்கும்” ~ “Thai Piranthaal Vazhi Pirakkum”-It means the birth of the month of Thai will pave the way. Sweet rice is made and offered to Sun God at the temples and houses on this day. Special poojas are held and devotees throng the temples to get the blessings on the first day of the Tamil month of Thai.


இனிய பொங்கல் வாழ்த்துக்கள் ~ Happy Thai Pongal greetings written in Tamil with wheat flour and turmeric powder


Pre ~ dawn view of Arulmigu Sri Venkadeswara Mahavishnumoorthy Devasthaanam in Nedimala ~ Dehiwala


Turmeric Pillaiyaar made for Thai Pongal


Gorgeous green and white garlands for the festival


Dazzling sculptures depicting legends in Hinduism


Just before the "Spill Over"


Sun God is beautifully drawn by Senthilnatha Sharma


The chief priest of Arulmigu Sri Venkadeswara Mhavishnumoorthy Devasthaanam Somaskantha Chandrakantha Kurukkal is offering the traditional camphor lamp to the Sun God


Just cooked sweet rice


Sunrise in Nedimala ~ Dehiwala


Sweet rice is traditionally served on fresh banana leaf and offered to the Sun God in Bambalapitty


Vadai ~ savoury is a must serve on Thai Pongal day


Baby cots are offered as a vow by the parents