Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, wished Tamilians in Canada and around the world a happy Thai Pongal on Sunday.
"Today, Tamils in Canada and around the world will gather to celebrate Thai Pongal. This festival marks the end of the harvest season and the start of the new year. Friends and families will come together to give thanks for a prosperous harvest and a season of good fortune. It is a time for joy, celebration, and community...I encourage everybody to reflect on the strong heritage of Canada's Tamil community. Our nation is stronger and richer because of the contributions of Tamil-Canadians," he said in a statement.
"On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish everyone celebrating Thai Pongal a joyful festival," he added.
In October last year, the Canadian Parliament voted to designate January as Tamil Heritage Month, to “recognise the contributions that Tamil-Canadians have made to Canadian society, the richness of Tamil language and culture, and the importance of educating and reflecting upon Tamil heritage for future generations by declaring January, every year, Tamil Heritage Month.”
Receiving 283 ‘Yea’ votes, the motion was supported across party lines.
January was chosen as the ideal month to celebrate Tamil heritage as the harvest festival, Pongal, is celebrated in this month.
Watch the video here.
Meanwhile, Patrick Brown, leader of the Progressive Conservative Party, went one step further and dressed up in the traditional veshti to wish the Tamil community, and proudly proclaimed, "Pongalo Pongal!" Watch the video here: