Thai Pongal

Hindu families in Sri Lanka and around the world are currently celebrating the festival of Thai Pongal

Naomi Booth :: Monday 15th January 2024 :: This Story

The festival of Pongal is celebrated by Sri Lankans over two days. The first day is devoted to the boiling of milk in a pot to which rice, jaggery and the syrup extracted from crushed sugar cane is added. This sweet rice pudding is offered first to the Sun God and is then eaten at the climax of a family festive meal.

The first day of Pongal is called Bhogi. It is a day where cleaning and discarding of old belongings are carried out to signify a fresh start. New clothes are worn, houses are decorated in the spirit of the festivity. The second day is the main day of Pongal and is celebrated as Surya Pongal.

Ocean Stars would like to wish all our staff, communities in Sri Lanka and around the world a Happy Pongal.