Sinthu’s Thai Pongal, written by Sivahami and Sriranjani Vijenthira and illustrated by V. Jeevananthan, is a bilingual story told in Tamil and English with vibrant full-colour illustrations that beautifully capture the essence of Thai Pongal, celebrated between January 14th and 17th in 2026. The story follows Sinthu, an excited young girl from Toronto, who visits her grandparents’ home in Jaffna, Sri Lanka to experience the traditions firsthand.
Thai Pongal is a harvest festival representing gratitude and joy. It marks the end of the winter solstice and the sun’s northward journey, known as Uttarayana, as it enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn. The festival’s name is derived from the ceremonial dish Pongal, meaning “to boil or overflow,” symbolizing prosperity and abundance. It is dedicated to Surya, the solar deity in Hinduism.
The festival spans three to four days, each with its own unique traditions:
Bhogi: A day to discard the old and embrace the new, symbolizing renewal.
Surya Pongal: The main day of the festival and the focus of Sinthu’s Thai Pongal. Families cook, honour the sun and the harvest, and draw decorative patterns on the ground. In the story, Sinthu eagerly helps her Amma prepare for this special day, gathering ingredients like areca nuts, betel leaves, sugarcane, and two brass lamps called kuthu vilakku. Together, they create the Pongal, a sweet rice dish made with jaggery, cashews, raisins, and ghee, using rice from the first harvest of the year. Before sharing the meal, the family prays to Surya, expressing gratitude for nature’s bounty.
Mattu Pongal: A day dedicated to honouring cattle, the hardworking companions who help farmers ensure a bountiful harvest.
Kanum Pongal: A day for relaxation, enjoyment, and spending quality moments with loved ones. In the story, Sinthu cherishes her time with Amma, Paati, Thaatha and Appa.
At its core, Sinthu’s Thai Pongal is a celebration of gratitude, tradition, and togetherness. It beautifully captures the richness of Tamil culture and the warmth of family bonds while providing a glimpse into the significance of Thai Pongal. Beyond being a touching tale, the book also highlights the cultural diversity of Toronto’s diasporic communities. Sharing this book with your children is a great way to introduce them to Tamil culture.