Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe in a Thai Pongal message said the festival symbolises gratefulness and respect not only to God, but to the animals that helped in the harvest.“This message of equality and respect should be instilled in all our minds,” the message said.
Let this be a beginning of peace and friendship among all peoples: President Rajapaksa
President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his Thai Pongal message, called upon the Hindus and all people to re-kindle their resolve to bring about further social cohesion and unity of all communities co-existing in the new peaceful environment in the country.
“Let Thai Pongal signify not only the beginning of the month of Thai, but also the beginning of a new life of peace and friendship among all peoples,” the message stated. Traditionally, a thanksgiving ceremony of the farming community, Hindus offer prayers of gratitude to the Sun God for a bountiful harvest, and also pay tribute to the farm animals who helped them in their cultivation. |
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