At a special time of the year for Tamil people in Barnet and worldwide, Theresa Villiers has issued the following Pongal message.
"I would like to send my best wishes to all my constituents who are celebrating Pongal.
This annual festival is marked by Tamil people all around the world, including British Tamils here in Barnet. The origins of Pongal are a celebration taking place after the harvest is brought in. For hundreds of years, Pongal has provided an opportunity to give thanks for the harvest and the benefits that nature provides to humanity. It is also a time to thank all those who produce our food.
I enjoyed visiting the Hindu Murugan Temple in Archway for Pongal events last year. It was great to be able to attend the Thai Pongal celebrations which took place in Parliament this evening, hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils and the British Tamil Forum. A number of MPs were present along with many leading figures of the British Tamil community. As well as speeches from the MPs, there was a display of traditional Tamil dancing and the Prime Minister's Pongal message was shown on video.
Pongal is traditionally a time when families come together. I hope that all my Tamil constituents have had the chance to spend time with friends and family at this special time of the year. I wish you all a very Happy Thai Pongal!"