GALLERY: Tamil traditions celebrated as community grows in the Sault

Organizers with the Soo Tamil Association hosted a cultural event this past weekend to commemorate Tamil Heritage Month, which is recognized in Canada every January.

Called “Thai Pongal Celebration 2024,” the gathering aimed to showcase the rich traditions, cultural diversity, and community spirit within the growing Tamil community in Sault Ste. Marie.

Association members say the Tamil tradition is both rich and ancient as the language – which is spoken in South India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and several other nations – is over 5,000 years old.

A SooToday story in 2019 written by David Helwig noted that the city’s first Tamil family is believed to have arrived here as early as the 1950s.

According to the 2021 census, there are approximately 157,000 Tamil speaking people in Ontario.

Rough estimates suggest more than 100 of them live right here in Sault Ste. Marie.

“There are so many new people coming to the Sault who don’t know there’s a huge community of Tamil people here,” one organizer said. “There are lots of students, but we’ve seen families settling down here as well.”

Hosted at Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham, Saturday’s cultural festival began with a small prayer, followed by cultural programs, dances, authentic Tamil food, and games for all ages.

The Soo Tamil Association says they’re looking to host more events throughout the year and into the summer, including their New Year celebrations this April, as well as additional events open to the general public.

Members would like to thank the following organizations for helping make their celebration possible:

• The Taj Indian Cuisine Ltd.
• The Chaat Indian Street Food Inc. (opening soon)
• Giovanni's Restaurant.
• Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham
• One Human Service Network
• McDonalds
• Indian Palate
• Re-flex Physio
• Indian Mart
• Freshly Squeezed Bubble Tea
• Royal Momo
• Falco Bags