14th January 2025 17:58:39 Hours
Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo RSP ctf-ndu psc IG, Commander of the Army together with Mrs. Swendrini Rodrigo, President of the Army Seva Vanitha Unit (ASVU), attended a Special Thai Pongal Pooja held on 14th January 2025 at Mayurapathy Sri Bathrakali Amman Kovil, Colombo 6 in line with the Thai Pongal Day.
Upon arrival at the event, the Commander of the Army was welcomed by Major General K.J.N.M.P.K Nawarathna RWP RSP ndu, General Officer Commanding of 14 Infantry Division.
The Army Chief offered a Pooja Vatti (Fruit Offering) to the Priests for blessings as temple bells began to reverberate. A group of Hindu Priests, led by Chief Kurukkal Sivasri Ragavan Kurukkal, subsequently performed the ‘Pooja’. After the observances, the Commander of the Army attended the event of the traditional making of the Pongal Rice at the premises. The Special Thai Pongal Pooja, coordinated by the Sri Lanka Army Hindu Association, symbolically commemorated this special day. The event was conducted in the inner chamber of the Kovil amidst religious rites.
Pongal is a Hindu harvesting festival celebrated by the Hindu community across the world. It is a celebration to thank the Sun, Mother Nature and the various farm animals that help to contribute to a bountiful harvest. Celebrated over four days, Pongal also marks the beginning of the Tamil month called Thai, which is considered an auspicious month.
The event concluded with a traditional tea party and Senior Officers, Officers, Members of the Army Hindu Association and Other Ranks of the Hindu faith also joined the event.
