The Harrow Tamil Community has marked a major milestone with the celebration of its 16th Annual Thai Pongal Festival at Harrow Arts Centre.
The event took place on Saturday, 11 January 2026, bringing together families, community groups and local leaders to celebrate one of the most important festivals in the Tamil calendar.
Thai Pongal is a traditional harvest festival that gives thanks for prosperity, good health and a successful year ahead. For many Tamil families, it is a time to come together, honour tradition and pass culture on to the next generation.
Organised by former Mayor of Harrow and Local Government Shadow Cabinet Member Suresh Krishna, also known as London Baba, alongside former Deputy Mayor and Councillor Sasikala Suresh, the event was coordinated by Mr Guna Karuna.
Tamils are the fourth-largest community in Harrow, and the celebration reflected the borough’s strong multicultural identity.
The festival featured cultural performances by Harrow Tamil School students, Tamil sports clubs, charity organisations, the Tamil Elder Centre and the Harrow Pillaiyar Temple. Children and young people performed traditional dances and music, while families gathered to enjoy the celebrations.
The event was hosted by Miss Archana Elangainathan and was attended by a number of local and regional figures, including the Deputy Mayor of Harrow, Councillor Yogesh Teli, King’s Representative Deputy Lieutenant Simon Ovens, Cllr Janet Mote, Gareth Thomas MP for Harrow West, Krupesh Hirani AM for Brent and Harrow, and Holiness Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji.
Community leaders from across Harrow also attended, showing support for the Tamil community and its long-standing presence in the borough.
The annual festival has become a key date in Harrow’s community calendar and continues to grow each year. Organisers say the event is about more than just celebration, it is about bringing people together, sharing culture and keeping traditions alive for future generations.
The Harrow Tamil Community says it “looks forward to continuing the tradition and strengthening ties across Harrow’s diverse communities.”
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