The celebration of Thai Pongal, the harvest festival of Tamil Hindu devotees, was held in Kegalle District Secretariat this morning (17). Thai Pongal Magalya is celebrated to thank the Sun God for giving more harvest and today's event held at the district secretariat premises consisted of various cultural elements.

Accordingly, this year's Thai Pongal festival, which consisted of various aspects such as cooking Pongal rice and worshiping the Sun God, drawing kolam patterns, various cultural dances, etc., was performed by Ambepussa Sri Bhadrakali Amman Temple Dhamma School students, St. Mary's Tamil College students and District Secretariat staff members as well as representing the district elders. Also this time the Deva Pooja was conducted by the Kurukkal of Ambepussa Sri Bhadrakali Amman Temple.

Along with this event, a donation of musical instruments to Sri Bhadrakali Amman Temple was made by the Additional District Secretaries under the auspices of the Department of Cultural Affairs. A kolam pattern drawing competition was also organized and prizes were given to the winners.

The District Thai Pongal Day Celebration was organized by the District Cultural Officer Ms. Padmini Wickramalata and the District Elderly Promotion Officer Ms. Dilani Kumari. The program was sponsored by the Ministry of Culture as well as Sri Nadika Jewellers, Sri Latha Jewellers, Mileka Jewellers, Aarti Sri Jewelers and Warakapola, Tamil Social Development Society as well as Sri Kadiresan Temple had been given.

Additional District Secretary (Administration) Charitha Illangakoon, Additional District Secretary (Lands and Development) Dinisha S. Ratnayake, Assistant District Secretary Malsha L. Priyadarshini, staff officers of the District Secretariat, Principal of St. Mary's School, patrons, school students were present on this occasion.