Perth celebrates Tamil heritage with grand Pongal festival

Perth, February 25 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Tamil Association of Western Australia Inc (TAWA), in collaboration with 18 other Tamil organizations, recently hosted an elaborate ‘Pongal’ festival in Perth. The event, supported by the Consulate General of India in Perth, showcased the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu through various traditional activities.
The festival featured a traditional Pongal cooking ceremony, vibrant Rangoli (Kolam) designs, and demonstrations of traditional games such as Kabaddi and Kili thattu. Attendees enjoyed performances of Kummi dance, Parai music, and witnessed a display of the martial art form Silambam. A cultural procession highlighted the diverse traditions of Tamil Nadu, and authentic South Indian cuisine was available for all to savor. Additionally, popular tourist destinations of Tamil Nadu were showcased, offering attendees a glimpse into the state’s attractions.
Consul General Amarjeet Singh Takhi attended the event alongside dignitaries including Tanya Richardson, Mayor of the City of Swan; Mayor Katy Mair of the City of Melville; Dr. Jags MLA; and the president of the Indian Society of Western Australia (ISWA). In their addresses, they extended wishes of prosperity to the Tamil community and commended TAWA and its partner organizations for their efforts in preserving and promoting Tamil cultural, linguistic, and literary traditions in Western Australia.
During his speech, Consul General Takhi invited the community to participate in the Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0, which took place from February 15 to 24, 2025, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. This cultural initiative aims to celebrate and strengthen the ancient ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi. He highlighted the significant contributions of Sage Agasthyar to Bharatiya Chikitsa and his influence in classical Tamil literature and grammar.
The Pongal festival in Perth not only celebrated the harvest season but also served as a testament to the vibrant Tamil culture thriving within the Australian multicultural landscape