Tamil Heritage Month
Lewisham is renowned for its vibrant cultural diversity. In 2023, it became the first Borough of Sanctuary in the UK, reinforcing its tradition of being a welcoming place for people from all backgrounds. In 2025, Lewisham will celebrate Tamil Heritage Month for the first time. Learn more about the national Tamil Heritage Month campaign.
With many in the Tamil community choosing to make Lewisham their home, Tamil is the fourth most widely spoken language in the borough. This celebration acknowledges the contributions of the Tamil community to Lewisham and British culture.
Thai Pongal, also celebrated in January, is a multi-day harvest festival observed by the Tamil community honouring the sun, nature and farm animals for their contributions to a bountiful harvest.
Events
Thai Pongal event at Downham Library
- Saturday 18 January
- children's craft session: 10.30am-11.30am (Happy Thai Pongal theme)
- dance and music performances: 11.30am-12.30pm
Thai Pongal dance and music celebration
- Saturday 25 January 1pm
- Lewisham Shopping Centre, SE13 3HB
- music performance by Tamil Academy of languages and Arts followed by Tamil dancers from Salangai Narthanalaya, led by Aganya Sumanray
London Sivan Natpani Mantram Lewisham presents Tamil Heritage Month and Pongal Vizhla 2025
- Sunday 26 January, 2pm-9pm
- London Sivan Kovil, Wedding Hall, 4A Clarendon Rise London SE13 5ES
- oil lighting – Pooja – Veena Musical Programme, Dance, Drama
Downham Tamil Association Thai Pongal celebration
- Sunday 2 February, 10am-2pm
- The George Green Hall, Goldsmith’s Community Centre, Boundfield Road, Catford, London SE6 1PL
- Thai Pongal Cultural Celebration and Sri Lankan style vegetarian lunch