Bhopal Tamil Sangam celebrates Pongal Festival with religious rituals and bonhomie

Bhopal, January 19, 2025: The much-awaited Pongal 2025 festival, organized by the Bhopal Tamil Sangam (BTS), was successfully celebrated on January 19, 2025, at the Career College Auditorium, BHEL, Bhopal. More than 1,200 attendees, including members of the Tamil diaspora, government officials, art enthusiasts, and the wider Bhopal community, gathered to honor the harvest festival of Pongal, a time for Tamil communities worldwide to give thanks for a bountiful harvest and celebrate prosperity, unity, and cultural pride. The event was graced by the distinguished presence of Shri Vishwas Sarang, Madhya Pradesh Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare, and Minister of State who was the Chief Guest of the evening, along with other dignitaries.

During the event, P. Raju, President of Bhopal Tamil Sangam, conveyed his heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to the success of the festival. He remarked, “We are deeply grateful to all our esteemed guests, sponsors, and participants who have made this event possible. This year’s Pongal celebration is a testament to the strength of our community, the enduring spirit of Tamil culture, and the power of cultural exchange. It is heartwarming to see how people from different backgrounds and cultures have come together to celebrate Tamil traditions. This is a celebration of unity, and we are proud to have been able to host it in the heart of Bhopal.”
A. Swami Durai, General Secretary of the Bhopal Tamil Sangam, echoed his sentiments, adding, “The Pongal festival is not just a time for celebration, but also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of community, family, and tradition. It is an occasion to appreciate life, nature, and the harvest, and to recognize the importance of unity in preserving our rich cultural heritage.”

The Pongal festival, a cherished and highly anticipated event for Tamils worldwide, marks the end of the harvest season and honors the Sun God for providing the nourishment of the land. Traditionally, it is a time for family gatherings, gratitude, and a renewal of social bonds. The festival, which has been celebrated by Tamils for centuries, brings together people from all walks of life to pay homage to the divine for the agricultural bounty that sustains life. This year’s Pongal 2025 event in Bhopal embodied those values of unity, cultural exchange, and celebration, with the Tamil community in Bhopal at the heart of organizing this momentous event. The celebrations not only showcased the depth and beauty of Tamil culture but also served as an invitation to people from all backgrounds to experience the traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations.
As the sun set over the Bhopal cityscape, the Career College Auditorium came alive with energy, warmth, and celebration. The festival kicked off with an inaugural address by Shri Vishwas Sarang, who spoke of the importance of cultural unity and the role of festivals in bringing people together. His presence as Chief Guest was a significant highlight of the evening, reinforcing the importance of celebrating diverse cultures within the state of Madhya Pradesh. In his speech, the Minister emphasized that events such as the Pongal festival were integral in bridging cultural divides and fostering harmony in the multicultural society of India. He expressed, “The Pongal festival is an opportunity not just for Tamils but for everyone to come together and celebrate life, nature, and prosperity. It is an occasion that binds communities through shared values and promotes peace and understanding.” Shri Vishwas Sarang, also expressed his admiration for the Bhopal Tamil Sangam and its tireless efforts in preserving Tamil culture and traditions, while encouraging other communities to also take pride in their cultural heritage.
The Pongal 2025 festival featured a rich and diverse array of cultural performances that illuminated the colorful and vibrant traditions of Tamil Nadu. One of the major highlights of the evening was the vibrant cultural performances by 20 renowned artists from the Tamil Nadu Art and Culture Department and 15 artists from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. These performances included classical and folk dances, live music, and much more, offering the audience a sensory experience unlike any other. Some of the major attractions of the evening included traditional art forms such as Karagam, Thappattam, Kummi Kolattam, Kaliyattam, Karupattam, and various folk songs, all of which are synonymous with the grandeur and diversity of Tamil culture. These folk dances and performances were rich in color and rhythm, with each performance telling its own unique story through music, costumes, and movement. Karagam dance, often performed as a prayer for good harvests, involved intricate movements and was complemented by vibrant music. Thappattam, a lively drum dance performed by groups, added an exuberant atmosphere to the festivities. Kummi Kolattam and Kaliyattam, performed with rhythmic claps and circular movements, reflected the spirit of unity and community, while Karupattam brought forward the divine aspect of Tamil folk arts. These performances were met with resounding applause, making them the most unforgettable part of the festival. A significant moment during the celebrations was the launch of the Pongal 2025 Souvenir, a special keepsake to commemorate the event. The souvenir, a beautifully designed booklet that captured the essence of the festival, was unveiled by Vishwas Sarang, Madhya Pradesh Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare, and Minister of State, alongside the other dignitaries
The presence of talented children artists from Bhopal also added a special charm to the festival. children and young artists performed various traditional Tamil dances and songs, showcasing their incredible talent and enthusiasm for preserving Tamil culture. These young performers exhibited incredible skills in their performances, further underscoring the importance of cultural transmission across generations. Their participation was an embodiment of the future of Tamil culture, where even the younger generation is embracing and engaging with their roots. The event also included performances from other local talents who showcased their dance, music, and acting skills, ensuring that the festival had something for everyone.
One of the most eagerly anticipated aspects of any Pongal celebration is the traditional feast. The Bhopal Tamil Sangam went above and beyond in ensuring that all attendees were treated to a truly authentic Tamil dining experience. Guests enjoyed a spread of traditional Tamil delicacies, with an emphasis on the special dishes associated with Pongal. The menu featured Ven Pongal, a savory dish made of rice and lentils, along with Sakkarai Pongal, a sweet preparation of rice and jaggery that is typically offered during the Pongal festival. The spread also included an array of flavorful vegetarian dishes such as Vadai, Idli, Dosa, Sambar, and Tamarind Rice, all cooked to perfection with the rich, aromatic spices that define Tamil cuisine. These dishes are not only a treat to the taste buds but also a reflection of the culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations. Alongside the savory items, the attendees also indulged in an assortment of traditional sweets, including Payasam and Laddu, which symbolize prosperity and the sweetness of life. The food served at the event was a testament to the diversity and richness of Tamil cuisine, offering an unforgettable experience for everyone present.
The Pongal 2025 Festival was made possible thanks to the support of several esteemed sponsors. Sunfeast, the Platinum Sponsor, played a pivotal role in the success of the event by supporting BTS in delivering a grand celebration. The Gold Sponsors, MP Government and MP Tourism, provided essential backing, ensuring the event’s prominence in the region. The Silver Sponsors, including SZCC (South Zone Cultural Centre), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Tamil Nadu Government, further strengthened the event’s scope by offering their expertise and resources. Their generous sponsorship enabled BTS to bring together the best of Tamil culture, music, dance, cuisine, and artistry in an unforgettable festival. The sponsors’ contributions were crucial in showcasing Tamil heritage to the wider public, making the festival a truly inclusive cultural celebration.
In addition to the dignitaries, the event also saw the participation of several Special Guests, not only highlighted the importance of cultural events but also expressed their support for initiatives that promote community integration and cultural pride. Their words resonated with the audience, reinforcing the importance of maintaining cultural ties and supporting events that promote social cohesion across communities.

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