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Thai Pongal Source:-Brisbane 4EB Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – January 2022 Thai Pongal is a Tamil community harvest festival. It is observed on the14th of the month of January. “Pongal”’ literally means overflowing and is named so because of the tradition of cooking new rice in pots until they overflow which is a symbol of abundance and prosperity. Thai Pongal is a festival dedicated to the sun by farmers who depend on Mother Nature for their staple food, rice. Women decorate the central courtyard of their homes with beautiful designs (called kolams). Families gather to rejoice and share their joy of their harvests with others. In the early morning the Sun is offered a “Pongal” of rice, milk and jaggery. Worship of sun is the principal activity. Houses and surroundings are cleaned, and people bathe early in the morning and wear traditional attire. The festival extends to four days. ...