NEW ENGLAND TAMIL SANGAM

A Grand Celebration of Tamil Heritage: New England Tamil Sangam- Pongal Event 2025 in New England Area.

The spirit of Tamil culture came alive on February 1, 2025, as the New England Tamil Sangam hosted a magnificent Pongal festival at Whitcomb School Marlborough, MA. The venue was adorned with decorations that paid homage to the four-day festival, each element thoughtfully designed to immerse attendees—especially the younger generation—in the rich traditions of Bhogi, Thai Pongal, Maattu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal. These symbolic celebrations honor renewal, prosperity, valor, and relationships, respectively, ensuring that the essence of Pongal continues to thrive across generations.

Following the vibrant celebrations, families gathered to enjoy the Adyar Ananda Bhavan (A2B) hospitality to relish a traditional banana leaf feast, evoking the flavors and warmth of Tamil Nadu’s traditional feast. The festival was a true community affair, with children and adults enthusiastically participating in a variety of cultural and sporting events, all conducted in Tamil.

One of the highlights of the evening was the electrifying Parai and Kummi dance, performed to pulsating rock beats by the Connecticut Manoodam troupe. The Connecticut State Anthropological Committee, a cultural group dedicated to preserving Tamil heritage, played a significant role in promoting traditional art forms. Among these was the thunderous rhythm of Parai, an ancient percussion instrument played with two sticks. The Manoodam Parai group, a cherished part of Connecticut’s Tamil community, mesmerized the audience with its powerful beats, resonating through the venue and symbolizing the resilience and history of Tamil culture. Their performances, which have graced the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History and other states, offered more than just music—they told stories of Tamil tradition and pride.

Another highlight of the New England Tamil Sangam (NETS) and Rhode Island Tamil Sangam’s (RITS) collaborative Pongal 2025 celebration was an electrifying Kummi dance performance that brought the joy and tradition of the festival to life. This vibrant performance, showcasing the unity and prosperity of our community, embodied the spirit of Pongal through synchronized movements and rhythmic beats. It was a true celebration of culture, with the energy and excitement of the dance leaving everyone with a sense of happiness and pride, highlighting the collective strength of our Tamil heritage.

Another breathtaking moment came from the students of Natya Prasanna Kalaimangai Anbazhagan's AmudhaSri Dance School, who brought the stage to life with their exquisite Bharatanatyam performances. More than forty young dancers paid tribute to Tamil luminaries, embodying the courage of Veera Tamilachi, the unyielding spirit of Vengai, the fearless legacy of Pagalavan-Kattabomman, and the visionary poetry of revolutionary poet Bharathiar. Through each graceful movement and expressive gesture, they celebrated the indomitable Tamil spirit guided by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.

The event also featured a captivating debate Pattimandram, on the importance of physical versus mental health. Debaters presented compelling arguments for both sides, highlighting how physical well-being is essential for an active life, while mental health is crucial for overall happiness and coping with challenges. The session was a fantastic success, sparking meaningful dialogue on the importance of prioritizing both aspects of health in our lives. As the debate concluded, many attendees expressed their newfound understanding and commitment to taking better care of both their bodies and minds moving forward. This was not just an intellectual discussion—it was a celebration of well-being in all its forms, a truly a Pongal treat for the mind!

The Pongal festival was a testament to the unity, cultural pride, and artistic brilliance of the Tamil community in New England. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the NETS committee members President. Krithika Ramesh, Secretary. Elumalai Vipooshnan, Treasurer. Vivek Selvaganapathy, Jt. Secretary. Nirmala Mohankumar, Jt. Treasurer. Balasubramaniam, Social Coordinators- Arun Kumar Radhakrishnan, Lakshmi Palluvur Venkataraman, Karthickeyan Narasimhan and to all the supporting volunteer super heroes, Manoth Photography, AV innovative decors, the enthusiastic participation of Tamil families and our great vendors and generous sponsors- DVP Realty, Classic Blue, New York Life insurance, Century Dental. The event was not just a celebration—it was a bridge between the past and the future, a vibrant reaffirmation of identity, and a heartfelt tribute to the enduring legacy of Tamil heritage.

Please visit us at https://netamilsangam.org/

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