A special Thai Pongal celebration was held at the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government to mark the Thai Pongal festival, which fell on the 14th of this month. This celebration, which focused on Hindu religious observances, was held under the auspices of the Minister, Dr. A.H.M.H Abayarathna, and the Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. S. Alokabandara. The priest, Dr. Sivasri K.V.K. Vithishvara Kurukkal, conducted the Hindu religious observances and many officers in the ministry participated in this event.