The TSL celebrating their community event for Diwali in October 2022.
Tamil Sangam Luxembourg (TSL) is once again holding a community event, this time celebrating the Pongal festival.
Pongal is a harvest festival - the Tamil equivalent of Thanksgiving. It is to honor the Sun, Mother Nature and the Cattle that helped to contribute a bountiful harvest. It is celebrated for 4 days, which usually falls between 12th and 16th January of the Gregorian calendar.
"Bogi" is celebrated on the first day. 'Out' with the old and 'In' with the new is the concept of this day. People burn the old things that are no longer useful as a symbolism of burning impurities in people’s hearts.
The second day is "Thai Pongal", which marks the first day of the month “Thai" of the Tamil calendar. On this day, it is customary to offer a dish called "Pongal" to the Sun, which is a sweet concoction of rice, moong dal, jaggery and milk, in thanks for a good harvest.
The third day is "Maattuppongal" which is a celebration for the cattle who helped the farmers to raise crops. The cattle are bathed and adorned with garlands and bells on this day.
The fourth day is "Thiruvalluvar Day" or “Kaanum Pongal”. The word “Kaanum” means visit, its usually a day for families to reunite.
On 22nd January 2023, Tamil Sangam Luxembourg (TSL) is planning to host the celebration of the Pongal festival at the Tramschapp Cultural Centre in Luxembourg City. Following the huge success of the Diwali celebration hosted by TSL in October 2022, more than 250 guests are expected to attend this event as well. The event will include various cultural activities and games for both children and adults.
Tamil Sangam Luxembourg (TSL) was founded in 2018 with the objective to unite the Tamil families living in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and to promote and preserve the rich heritage of Tamil language and culture.
By hosting Tamil festivals in Luxembourg, TSL paves a way for the Tamil Community to continue the tradition here, which makes them feel at home even though they are miles away.
The event is open to all. Visitors may register via the website: https://www.tamilsangam.lu/events.html.
