51 Infantry Division Celebrates Thai Pongal with Local Communities in Kopay

The 51 Infantry Division under the auspices of Security Forces Headquarters (Jaffna), organised a vibrant Thai Pongal celebration on Thursday at the Division's CIMIC (Civil-Military Cooperation) Park within the Division camp premises at Kopay, bringing together military personnel and local residents in a celebration of cultural unity and communal harmony. The event, held to mark the traditional harvest festival celebrated by the Tamil community, saw enthusiastic participation from residents of the Urumpirai, Sellapuram, and Yogapuram Grama Niladari Divisions.

Major General MR Razick RSP ndu, General Officer Commanding of the 51 Infantry Division, graced the ceremony as chief guest, accompanied by senior officers, officers, and other ranks of the Division. His attendance at the celebration demonstrated the Division's commitment to fostering positive civil-military relations and respecting the cultural traditions of the communities they serve.

The celebration began with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by the General Officer Commanding alongside members of the civil community, a ceremonial act that set the tone for the day's festivities. Following this, community members engaged in the kiri ithirima, performed with great enthusiasm by attendees who gathered to witness the auspicious moment, bringing smiles and hopeful anticipation for the year ahead. The event continued with traditional pongal rituals, which the local community observed as part of the celebration organised by the Division. The Division's meticulous planning enabled the Tamil community to celebrate their heritage in an authentic and respectful manner.

A highlight of the celebration was the Kolam drawing competition that saw enthusiastic participation from both children and adults. Participants created intricate geometric and floral patterns using coloured rice flour and powders, decorating the grounds of the CIMIC Park with traditional designs. The Division arranged for kiri bath (milk rice), sweets, snacks, and iced coffee to be offered to all attendees. The sharing of food brought together local residents and military personnel, with the distribution of traditional delicacies ensuring everyone at the celebration could partake in the festive meal. The organisation of the Thai Pongal celebration at the CIMIC Park continues the Sri Lanka Army's efforts to build bridges with local communities through cultural engagement and mutual respect.

The CIMIC Park has become a venue for community events where local communities can celebrate their traditions, and also provides recreational facilities daily in the evenings and library facilities for the civil community and children. The celebration saw genuine participation from local residents, with the Division's comprehensive organisation ensuring the community could observe their traditional customs in a welcoming atmosphere.

As the festivities concluded, attendees departed with strengthened connections between the 51 Infantry Division and the local communities of Kopay and surrounding areas, carrying forward the sense of harmony and goodwill that marked this memorable celebration.