Thai Pongal A Festival Of Happiness, Joy, Peace, Prosperity And Abundance
Thai Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated by the Tamil community worldwide.
Origins of the Thai Pongal festival celebrated by the Hindu Community may date to more than 1000 years. Since ancient times, the Thai Pongal has been celebrated within the space of four days. However, with rapid urbanisation and cultural shifts and major economic crises in the country, it has been limited to only a day in Colombo. People in other major cities and elsewhere stretch their celebrations for two days 
This festival has a religious, social, cultural and mythological importance in Hindu mythology. Thai Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated by the Tamil community worldwide, including Sri Lanka, India (especially Tamil Nadu), Malaysia, Australia, Mauritius, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Canada, Fiji and Singapore.
The Thai Pongal is a festival of happiness, joy, peace, prosperity and abundance.
This festival is a celebration by Hindus to thank the ‘Sun God’, Mother Nature and the various farm animals for their contribution to ensure a ‘bountiful harvest’.
Thai Pongal is celebrated in the Tamil month, ‘Thai’ (from mid-January to mid-February), which is considered an auspicious month, usually falling on January 14 or 15 every year. This year it was celebrated on 15th January 2026
May the Sun God bring light and energy to you and your family members and loved ones. During this festival, we are talking about ‘The Harvest of Happiness and Joy’ that brings endless possibilities, opportunities and blessings. All this will happen through divine and spiritual intervention. These celebrations would ensure inner peace, serenity, tranquility and world peace.
HISTORY OF THE THAI PONGAL FESTIVAL
People believe that the festival was also celebrated in the ancient Chola Empire days; these celebrations dating to the Sangam age from 200 BC to 300 AD.
The uniqueness and significance of the sun and the Thai Pongal festival must be understood.
The Sun is the ‘universal deity’ for everyone, irrespective of people being Buddhist, Catholic, Muslim, Chinese, or belonging to any other religious community. All of these people must consider taking part in this celebration by worshipping the sun, not only on Thai Pongal day, but every day. Worship the sun during ‘sunrise’ to get ‘his’ blessings in abundance, energy, vitality, leadership and power. The sun is considered the prime force of our solar system.
You will agree with me if I say that the “sun is considered our life’s engine”, as without the sun’s energy, Earth would be a frozen and become a lifeless planet. The sun provides the fundamental energy to food chains and the water cycle.
The sun plays a pivotal role in our day-to-day life for sustenance. There are symbolic references and meanings behind the sun and its worship. The sun is not just the giver of light and life and heating and illuminates the world, but is an all-seeing source of wisdom, a cure for disease and a patron of justice and the soul. The sun is also known to typify energy, power, positivity and clarity. 
Since ancient times, the Thai Pongal has been celebrated within the space of four days. However, with rapid urbanisation and cultural shifts and major economic crises in the country, it has been limited to only a day in Colombo. People in other major cities and elsewhere stretch their celebrations for two days.
The first day of Pongal is called ‘Bhogi Pongal’, Day 2: Surya (Sun) Pongal, Day 3: Maatu Pongal and Day 4: Kaanum Pongal
HEALTH BENEFITS OF PONGAL
Pongal is a crispy dish and one of the healthiest snack choices that you could make and enjoy. If properly made, it will have protein, magnesium, iron, calcium and potassium. Pongal is good for the heart, immune system and digestive system.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO UN AND UNESCO MADE BY GURUJI MARUTHAI RAVINDHIRAN
Based on the utmost importance of the Sun God, who plays a pivotal role in the life of all humans and the rich cultural values of Thai Pongal Day, I would like to strongly recommend that the “Thai Pongal Day for United Nation’s and UNESCO’s recognition” as a “universal celebration” which can be a strong possibility, given its global observance by Tamil communities, focus on universal values like gratitude, nature appreciation, and harmony, and alignment with UN goals.
For this to be a reality, I humbly request our National Leader and the Premier of India to initiate the plans by convincing the relevant authorities to submit formal proposals from member states, potentially through UNESCO for cultural recognition and a direct declaration by the UN General Assembly as well to make it a reality. 
A UN member state would need to formally propose recognising Thai Pongal, perhaps as “International Day of Gratitude and Harvest” or similar. Cultural organisations and the Sri Lankan and Indian Government along with other governments, can lobby for this, highlighting its themes of peace, nature, and unity.
While the UN declares “International Days,” recognising Thai Pongal aligns with its mission to promote cultural understanding and sustainable practices, making it a worthy aspiration.
“May almighty Lord Shiva, Lord Ganapathi, Lord Muruga, Goddess Parvathi and the Sun God bless you all abundantly.”
- GURUJI MARUTHAI RAVINDHIRAN 
HitAd.lk is the best and biggest mobile phone market in Sri Lanka, and we guarantee you will find what you need here from our extensive listing of mobile phones for sale in Sri Lanka. Whether it’s a budget-priced smartphone for communication, or higher end features with advanced connectivity, there are many different options from which to choose from on our site!