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The festivities start at 8am with women sitting on the ground in traditional saris and preparing the traditional Pongal
More than 2,000 expatriates from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu celebrated Harvest Festival in Abu Dhabi with a day of colorful cultural activities.
Women, men and children in traditional attire sang, danced and participated in several fun-filled activities and competitions organized by the “Tamil Fusion” association at Khalifa Park in the city.
The festivities begin at 8am, with women in traditional sari sitting on the ground preparing traditional Pongal (a porridge-like dish) in pots fueled by dry wood.
Later, they made “Kolam” designs, a traditional decorative art form using rice flour on the floor. It was the first of several games of the day, including folk dancing, vegetable carving, fun games like jumping the sack, lemon spoon race and tug of war that evoke nostalgia in the community for the first time Coming together for such a festival since the pandemic.
A hearty lunch was followed by a Tamil cultural and music show, with everyone actively involved, until 7pm.
“It was an amazing atmosphere with hundreds of people celebrating the festival with great joy and happiness. Holding such an event helps to raise awareness among children about the rich Tamil culture and heritage,” said Indian Ambassador to Abu Dhabi Dr. Balaji Ramaswamy, Counselor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China pointed out.
Dr Ali Abdul Kareem Al Obaidli, Chairman of the UAE National Transplantation Council and Chief Academic Affairs Officer, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), said: “It is a great pleasure and honor to be part of such a fantastic event.”
“I am delighted to see so many people come together to enjoy and celebrate their traditional festivals,” said Reem Al Breiki from the National Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Programme.
Other participants included D. Natarajan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Center for Indian Society and Culture, as well as dignitaries such as Shahul Hameed and Dr. Ansari, as well as officials from various associations.
Dr Ravichandran Subbaraj, the organizing director of the festival, said all members worked together to make the day a success.
“The sole purpose of celebrating this festival is to pass on our cultural heritage to the next generation. Even though we live and thrive in our second home, our children must not forget their roots,” said NMC Royal Family Medical Center in Abu Dhabi Dr. Ravichandran, a plastic surgeon, added.
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