AL HASA – The Al Hasa Tamil Sangam, Saudi Arabia, hosted an extravagant celebration of the Tamil festival Pongal, embodying the spirit of Tamil culture. The festivities began at 7:30 a.m. with a traditional Pongal ceremony. Attendees, dressed in vibrant and authentic Tamil attire, participated in the ceremonial cooking of Pongal—a dish made from freshly harvested rice, symbolizing gratitude to a bountiful harvest. The event was a beautiful blend of cultural pride and joyous community spirit, showcasing traditional music, dance, and the unity of Tamil people far from their homeland.
The festivities continued with engaging activities for children and adults, bringing the essence of Tamil culture to life. Most children enthusiastically participated in sports programs, including a Thirukkural recognition competition, elocution contest, costume competition, and painting competition, where their talents were recognized with prizes. These activities not only entertained but also nurtured a deeper connection with Tamil heritage. For adults, the event featured traditional Tamil games, which evoked nostalgic memories and provided lively entertainment. The participation of the community across all age groups made the festival a delightful and memorable experience, highlighting the unity and cultural pride of the Tamil diaspora.
The Pongal celebration reached its peak with a series of captivating performances and artistic programs. Zee Tamil TV fame Sanjitha mesmerized the audience with her Musical concert, while Kid Advaita’s yoga performance showcased an impressive blend of skill and mindfulness, leaving the attendees enthralled. Adding to the vibrancy, the event featured a variety of melodious songs and graceful dance performances that beautifully celebrated Tamil culture. A unique highlight was the special Pongal-themed bar poet contest, organized under the leadership of M.K. Meeran. Two dynamic teams participated in the poetic contest, engaging the audience with their wit and creativity. One Team led by Poet Vasuki, Poet Nagendran, and Poet Brinda, and second Team, featuring Poet Rajaprabhu, Poet Chitratevi, and Poet Ilayadevi, delivered lively and thought-provoking speeches. Their performances added intellectual depth and entertainment, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.
The Pongal celebration was further graced by the presence of esteemed special guests, Mr. S.K.S. Sikandar Babu, the General Secretary of the United Tamil Sangam (UTS), and Mr. Uma Shankar, the Treasurer of the United Tamil Sangam (UTS). Both dignitaries delivered insightful keynote addresses, emphasizing the importance of Tamil culture and the spirit of unity within the diaspora.
The event’s success was made possible by the meticulous arrangements organized by the Al Hasa Tamil Sangam administrators, key contributors to the program’s seamless execution included Dr. Nagarajan Ganesan, Dr. Paramasivan Mani, Mr. Sivakumar, Mr. Raoob, Engineer Arun, Engineer Natarajan, Engineer Sathish, Mrs. Sharmila Paramasivan, Mrs. Shaliha Raoob, Mrs. Anita Sivakumar, and Dr. Aruna Nagarajan. Their dedication and teamwork ensured the celebration was a vibrant and memorable occasion for all attendees.
