Join us for a celebration with fun and interactive story-telling and multi-cultural activities celebrating the Tamil Heritage Month and the Tamil Harvest & Thanksgiving Festival of Pongal (also celebrated as Sankaranti, Lohri, and Bihu in different parts of India). Pongal is when families, friends, and communities come together, expressing gratitude for nature, agriculture, and the bountiful harvest and sharing in special traditional foods, art, rituals, and games embracing the indigenous Tamil practices.  Tamil people can trace their ancestry to the state of Tamil Nadu in Southern India and Ealam (Sri Lanka). The Tamil diaspora around the world includes large Tamil populations in 29 other countries including the USA with Tamil as one of their offical languages such as in Singapore.

Our Pongal celebration will feature a talk about this vibrant tradition; delicious examples of customary foods; a live dance performance by Nandanik Dance Troupe; a visit from Persis Naumann, founder of Kelir Books; and an opportunity to create beautiful Rangoli designs on canvas with Priya Arts. 

Everyone is welcome to celebrate Pongal. People from many races, religions, classes, and castes celebrate the festival. Even though communities integrate their religious practices, it is not a religious festival. It is also intergenerational – from elders to young children, everyone has a place in the festival. So, gather your family and friends and come celebrate Pongal O Pongal with us! 

All ages are welcome! Cultural story & art date with your child; cultural story & art date with your inner-child! 

Registration is appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome. Please click here to register!

Cost: Free

Date: Saturday, January 13, 2024

Time: 10:00am - 12:30pm

Location: Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall

300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA 15106

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