Pongal Vizha 2023 – The first Thai Pongal celebration at KDU

The first-ever celebration of the Thai Pongal festival at KDU “Pongal Vizha – 2023” was successfully celebrated on 01^st February 2023 at the KDU cricket grounds.

Major General MP Peiris RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, the Vice Chancellor of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Deputy Vice Chancellors, Deans, Directors of Centres, Heads of various departments, senior administrative staff, senior military officers, academic staff, and a huge crowd of students attended the event in traditional attire.

“Pongal Vizha – 2023” was organized by the KDU students, and as the core part of the event it featured a variety of performances by the students of many faculties including singing and dancing. Invitees and Student representative poured a mixture of rice, lentils, and jaggery dish into the traditional clay pot set up and let the rice and milk overflow as a ceremonial manner, which is the tradition of the festival.

The chief guest, Vice Chancellor Major General MP Peiris RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, was honoured on the stage, and in his speech he praised the students for their initiatives, hard work and creativity in preparing and performing their acts; further, he encouraged them to continue their efforts and promised to celebrate Pongal Vizha as an annual event in future. He also mentioned how General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University helps the society on overcoming cultural differences and disputes through such celebrations.

The event was well received by the audience who expressed admiration for the students’ efforts in the initiation of such an event and congratulated them for their performances on stage.

Gnanam Imports, Gaurav Imports, and Thalis Restaurant jointly sponsored the event.