In Canada, January marks the proud celebration of Tamil Heritage Month—an occasion for all Canadians to celebrate and learn more about the history, culture, resilience, and strength embodied by Tamil communities nationwide.
To read Minister Hussen’s statement commemorating the month from the Government of Canada, check it out here!
In 2014, Ontario’s Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario officially proclaimed January Tamil Heritage Month (Bill 156), opens a new window, recognizing the valuable contributions that Tamil Canadians have made to Ontario's social, economic, political and cultural fabric.
In January, the four-day festival, Thai Pongal, is celebrated by many Tamil communities around the world to give thanks to the sun and for the harvest. The occasion is often marked by boiling milk and rice - the 'pongal.' The overflow of the milk symbolizes abundance and prosperity for the year to come. Learn more here!
For information about 2024’s official theme for Tamil Heritage Month: Tamilicious - Tamils and Food: Past, Present, and Future and upcoming events across York Region this January, visit the Tamil Heritage Month Council’s page.
Here you will also find resources for learning more about Tamil history and culture, as well as the journey of many organizations in the GTA who petitioned for the month to be recognized by Ontario Municipalities.
Looking for ways to kick off the month? Here are some events you won't want to miss!
- Tamil Canadian Centre for Civic Action will be hosting the Tamil Heritage Month 2024 Opening Ceremony on Saturday, January 6th from 11:00am-2:00pm at Queen Palace Banquet Hall in Scarborough. Register here!
- Markham Public Library will be hosting a Tamil Heritage Month Celebration on Sunday, January 21st from 1:30-4:30pm at Aaniin Library. Join us for traditional dance performances, speeches and all are welcome to join in on the fun! There will also be free food and drinks available for all to enjoy. Spots are limited, so register to reserve your spot, today! We hope to see you there.
For year-round programming, check out Markham Public Library's monthly drop-in's!
- Plain Tea and Murukku: Join us to enjoy plain tea and murukku while enjoying the game of cards, loodo, carom, and other activities with other older adults. This program is in partnership with the Federation of Tamil Canadians collaborating with Boxgrove Wellness Club. This drop-in program does not require pre-registration and it is open to the public. Learn more: here!
- Tamil Stories, Songs and Fun: Mini Tamil stories, songs and fun in Tamil. Federation of Tamil Canadians in partnership with Middlefield Tamil Seniors will be facilitating a Tamil reading program for younger children between the ages of 4 and 10. This will be a drop-in program that does not require pre-registration. Learn more: here!
How are you celebrating Tamil Heritage Month this year? Let us know! And if you'd like to learn more, the titles below may be just what you're looking for.
January is Tamil Heritage Month in Canada, an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Tamil Canadians to Canada's social, cultural, economic and political fabric. These novels, featuring Tamil main characters, will give you more insight into the culture.
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