Tamil Heritage Month events in London, UK

“Tamil Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the history of London’s Tamil community and their invaluable contribution to our city. There’s a lot to celebrate, from Tamils serving in the Royal Air Force in the Second World War to the Tamil scientists, doctors and nurses helping our country battle coronavirus today.

“I’m pleased the London Assembly agreed this motion recognising the enormous contribution of the Tamil community ahead of the UK’s second Tamil Heritage Month in January next year.

“Around a quarter of a million Tamils live in the UK, with many living in London. To celebrate this much-loved community, the Mayor of London and London Boroughs should mark this month-long event and help it become an established celebration in London.”

“London’s Tamil community, originating from Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa and elsewhere, makes a strong contribution to the life of our city.

There are an estimated 15,000 Tamils working for NHS England as doctors, nurses and front-line health professionals, thousands of Tamils serving as teachers and teaching assistants in our schools. Over a hundred adult social care facilities are operated by Tamils in and around London, caring for some of the most vulnerable in our society.

The Assembly notes that January marks Tamil Heritage Month and that Pongal – the Harvest Festival – commences on 14th January. We call on the Mayor of London and the London boroughs to ensure these occasions are marked and that our much-valued Tamil community is supported across the city.”

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Here are a few of the upcoming events hosted to celebrate Thai Pongal and Tamil Heritage Month.

Tamil Art
– 11th till 18th January 2022: The Noble Sage, London’s gallery specialising in Tamil modern and contemporary art, will be holding an exhibition online focusing specifically on this niche. Ten Tamil artists from the UK and India will be featured in the exhibition celebrating Tamil Heritage Month in London. More info.

Tamil Cuisine
– Saturday 15th January 2022: Gopal’s Corner in Victoria London will be hosting its annual Pongal Feast. The restaurant specialising in Tamil cuisine from Malaysia and Singapore is serving a traditional Thai Pongal feast. It will consist of unlimited vegetarian dishes on a banana leaf. Tickets are limited and only available when booked in advance. More info

Tamil Culture
– Monday 17th January 2022: Pongal in Westminister. Enjoy an evening of cultural performances, traditional sweets and festivities, and a chance to celebrate Thai Pongal alongside MPs and the wider Tamil community. More info

– Saturday 22nd January 2022: Join the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames as they unveil the new sign marking the twinning of two cities, Jaffna and Kingston. More info

– Saturday 22nd January 2022: Tamil Heritage Month Uk and Nachiyar Events present “Tamil Heritage Month 2022” virtual event. More info

Please email us at info@thamarai.com if you would like to recommend any other events to be listed.