The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington, D.C. recognized the Hindu harvest festival of Thai Pongal last week with a ceremony at the Embassy attended by a large number of Sri Lankans living in the Greater Washington area.
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| Sri Lankan Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya and Hindu Priest Sivanth Kurukkal light the traditional oil lamp in observance of the Hindu festival of Thai Pongal. Thai Pongal is a major festival in Sri Lanka, marking the harvest, the gifts of the earth and sun and the renewal of the seasons. People are encouraged to let go of the past and to focus on growth and the promise of the future. In Sri Lankan households, this often means re-arranging items as an act of renewal. Hindu priest Sivanth Kurukkal, conducted the religious observances and offerd blessings of prosperity and harmony among all communities in Sri Lanka. The traditional Hindu oil lamp was lit by Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya. Next followed a program of devotional songs by Ms. Deepa Srikumar and Mr. Earnest Dharmapala to Lord Ganesh, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Murugan to mark Thai Pongal. |
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| Ambassador Wickramasuriya addresses the members of the Sri Lankan community in Washington, D.C. |
Ambassador Wickramasuriya, told the gathering that, “Thai Pongal puts a special spotlight on renewal. Today in Sri Lanka, renewal is taking place. I have been home several times in the past year, and each time that I travel to the North I am amazed by the changes there. The North is today is free. It is coming back to life.”At the reception that followed the religious ceremony, the refreshments served included an array of foods traditionally associated with Thai Pongal.
The celebrations were held in keeping with the tradition of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington DC of celebrating the important religious festivals of Sri Lanka.
