"Pongal" literally translates boiling over. It means boiling over in celebration, thankfulness, and joyful. It's a celebration of harvest. And it marks the transit of the Sun from the sign of Saggitarius to the sign of Capricorn.

Thai Pongal is celebrated on the first day of the month of Thai according to the Tamil Almanac. Hindus make "Sakkarai Pongal" (sweet rice) and offer it to Sun God. Firecrackers are lit to signify the moment of boiling over.

Celebrators say that Thai Pongal is the merriest of festivals.

A colourful design called "Kolam" is made by saffron flour and wheat flour at the main entrance of Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Temple in Kochchikade, Colombo 13 to welcome the devotees on Thai Pongal day. This special colourful "Kolam" of "Pongal Vazhthugal" (Pongal Greetings) was created by Pratheepan Sharma of Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Temple.

"Santhanakaappu" is offered to Sun God at Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Devasthanam.The Hindus pray and offer their gratitude to Sun God after a prosperous harvest,which they celebrate on Thai Pongal day

The Hindus believe in temple worship

"Niraikudam" is kept at the main entrance of Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Devasthanam to welcome the devotees

Cow's milk is being poured by Hindu priests into a brass pot for boiling

The milk is being boiled

The first drop of boiled milk falls to the East side (Kizhakku Thisai)

The owner of Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Devasthanam, D.M.Swaminathan puts the first rice into the boiled milk

Devotees thronged temples to worship on Thai Pongal day (Harvest Festival)

Sakkari Pongal (Sweet Rice),Vadai and banana are offered to the Sun God

Devotees pray for peace and harmony

The month of Thai is an auspicious month according to the Tamil Almanac