On 18 January 2025, the Nottingham Tamil Kuzhumam (RCN 1205049) – NTK orchestrated a spectacular Pongal ( harvest ) festival at Cotgrave Social Welfare Centre, bringing together over 75 families in a heartfelt tribute to tradition, gratitude, and cultural heritage.
Pongal, the revered Tamil harvest festival, also known as Tamilar Thirunaal, is a time-honoured occasion dedicated to expressing gratitude to farmers and the Sun God for a bountiful harvest.
This year’s celebration was nothing short of extraordinary, filled with rituals, artistic expressions, traditional games, and captivating performances, fostering a deep sense of unity and pride among attendees.
The festival commenced with families assembling outdoors, embracing the age-old tradition of cooking the Pongal dish in clay pots using rice, milk, and palm sugar. As the milk bubbled and overflowed—a symbol of abundance and prosperity—chants of “Pongalo Pongal!” resonated through the air, setting the stage for an auspicious celebration. The prepared dish was then shared among all, embodying the spirit of togetherness and goodwill.
The crisp winter air was soon filled with lively Tamil folk music as attendees broke into graceful traditional dances, celebrating the rich heritage of Tamil Nadu. The warmth of community spirit eclipsed the chilly weather, making the event a truly vibrant spectacle.
Following a sumptuous feast of authentic Tamil delicacies, the festivities continued indoors with a Kolam (Rangoli) competition, where women showcased their artistic finesse by crafting intricate floor designs using coloured powders, rice, and flower petals. These mesmerising patterns, believed to invite happiness, prosperity, and the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, transformed the venue into a tapestry of colours.
The excitement soared as participants geared up for Uriyadi, a thrilling Tamil traditional game where blindfolded players attempted to break a hanging clay pot filled with hidden treasures. The sheer determination and enthusiasm displayed by the players—despite the bitter cold—was a testament to the unwavering spirit of Tamil culture.
The celebrations continued in the hall, where a dazzling array of stage performances captivated the audience. From soulful songs and graceful dance routines to children’s competitions like Wealth Out of Waste, the event brimmed with energy, creativity, and cultural pride.
The crown jewel of the evening was the highly anticipated Pattimantram (debate) on the thought-provoking topic:
“Is life easier with or without technology?”
While the debate engaged the audience with compelling arguments, the speakers and judge skilfully interwove humour, ensuring the discussion remained as entertaining as it was enlightening.
A celebration of such magnitude and success would not have been possible without the generous support of our esteemed sponsors:
Worldwide Immigration, Dolphin Education Consultancy, Cakes and Bakes, Annapurna, Lakshmi Brands (marketed by MRSS), Verisure, and Matthew Lettings. Their contributions played an invaluable role in bringing this grand event to life.
The evening concluded with a grand prize distribution ceremony, recognising the outstanding talents of participants across various competitions. Laughter, applause, and the warm glow of cultural pride marked the perfect end to an unforgettable celebration.
The Nottingham Tamil Kuzhumam Pongal Festival 2025 was a testament to the strength, unity, and enduring traditions of the Tamil community in Nottingham. As families departed with hearts full of joy and memories to cherish, the event stood as a shining example of how culture, when celebrated with passion and devotion, brings people together in the most profound way.
