Celebrating Thai Pongal in a novel manner

Chief Guest, Vice Chancellor of the Eastern University Dr. K Kobindaraja lighting the oil lamp

The Aesthetic Faculty of the Eastern University celebrated the Thai Pongal Festival for the very first time in a novel manner at the Auditorium of the Suwami Vivekanandha Aesthetic Institute, Kallady, Batticaloa recently. The Chief Guest of the event was the Vice Chancellor of the Eastern University Dr. K Kobindaraja.

The function was conducted under the able guidance of the Director of the Aesthetic Institute of the Eastern University Dr. K Premakumar.

A kolam competition was held based on the use of earth and earth activities describing the significance of the Thai Pongal Festival. Seventy two undergrads divided into six groups of 12 each took part in various colorful events based on this contest.

The result was an eye catching brilliant display from the students. This rich cultural programme presented by the undergrads included farmers' dance, folk songs, pongal in verse, kummi dance and symposium.

Thai Pongal Festival begins after worshiping the Sun-God and honouring the cattle by boiling the traditional pot of milk rice. It is the thanks giving day by the farmers to the Sun-God and cattle which helped them to dig, plough, saw and harvest their crops.

The kolam competitors who won first, second and third places were appreciated and awarded by the Chief Guest.

Special guests were Professor S Mownaguru and Sithraleka Mownaguru and several lectures attach to the Aesthetic Faculty of the Eastern University.

Pictures by Sivam Packiyanathan, Batticaloa Special Correspondent

Undergraduates reciting a song	The audience
	Undergrads on performance