On the occasion of Thai Pongal, which is celebrated as a unique cultural festival of Tamils around the world and revered as the festival of farmers, I extend my heartfelt Thai Pongal greetings to all the people of the Northern Province.
This festival stands as a noble day of gratitude—offered to the Sun God who greatly aids the flourishing of crops, to our venerable farmers who toil in the fields with their feet in the slush to cultivate rice, and to the livestock that stand in steadfast support of them. Pongal is a distinguished symbol that beautifully expresses the spirit of gratitude of our people, whose way of life is harmoniously intertwined with nature.
With regard to our Northern Province, agriculture remains the most vital backbone of our economy. Our land and our people share an inseparable bond with agriculture. In this context, this festival holds special significance for our province.
This year, we celebrate Thai Pongal at a time when our people are gradually recovering from the scars left by the devastation caused by Cyclone “Ditwah” in November last year. Although we were affected by the fury of nature, the hope and perseverance within the hearts of our people have never diminished.
May this newly born month of Thai, which marks not only the beginning of the Tamil New Year but also a fresh chapter in the lives of our people, remove past hardships and open new pathways. As the saying of the elders goes, “When Thai is born, new paths are born.” In that spirit, may this festival pave the way for our agriculture to flourish beyond trials and for the livelihoods of our people to improve.
Just as new rice is cooked and milk overflows in joy, I pray that prosperity, well-being, and happiness overflow abundantly in the lives of all the people of the Northern Province. With these wishes, I once again extend my Thai Pongal greetings to everyone.
Governor,
Northern Province.
