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Tamil Heritage and Thai Pongal

Tamil is one of the longest-surviving classical languages in the world and spoken by about 75 million people throughout the world. Tamil is more than a language. It is associated with the various forms of arts, rich literature articulating the righteousness, love and valour, way of living aligned with the nature and pan global mindset. Though the concepts of Tamil Heritage originated nearly 2000 years ago, they are still relevant to the present modern society. In 300 BCE, Tamil poet Kaniyan Poongunranar wrote ‘யாதும் ஊரே யாவரும் கேளிர் – To us all towns are one, all men our kin’ and emphasised the multiculturalism. Australia is a home for thousands of Tamils from Sri Lanka, India, Singapore, Malaysia , Mauritius, South Africa and other countries. The vibrant Australian Tamil Community actively contributes to the betterment of the states in various ways.

Respecting and being thankful to the nature is an inherent aspect of the Tamil Heritage. Ancient Tamils had effective sustainable farming practices. They celebrated the nature and cattle for being integral part of their successful lives. The celebration is named as ‘Thai Pongal’. The celebration falls on the first day of the first month ‘Thai’ in the Tamil Calendar. ‘Pongal’ means ‘to overflow’ in harvest and joy. ‘Thai Pongal – Festival of thanksgiving to nature and the Tamil New Year’ is one of the most important festivals for Tamils living throughout the world. It brings families and friends together to praise the nature and to celebrate peace, abundance, and happiness.