Dear Kuhan,
Re: Tamil Heritage Month Statement
January is Tamil Heritage Month. It is an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful culture and contributions of the Tamil community, both here in Waltham Forest and across the UK. The month is dedicated to recognising Tamil language, arts, culture, food, history, personalities, and many other aspects.
Waltham Forest Council have supported Tamil culture in our borough for half a decade, working with the Tamil community on events, including performances from Tamil groups at major moments like the opening of Fellowship Square in Summer 2021.
Tamil Heritage Month in 2023 aims to strengthen our relationship with our commitment to include Tamil Heritage Month on the Council’s annual calendar, to be marked and celebrated each and every January.
The Federation of Tamil Organisations of Waltham Forest is a group of seven local organisations who work together to make positive contributions to the Waltham Forest Tamil community. They have planned an array of events on 21 of January 2023 to celebrate and showcase the best of Tamil culture.
Activities on Saturday 21 January start with Pongal (harvest) celebrations, and the coming together of the community to make a Pongal (sweet rice dish) at Bedford Road Car Park at 1pm. Later in the day there will be a parade showcasing Tamil heritage, starting from Fulbourne Road/Forest Road junction, E17 at 3pm. Finally, the day will conclude with evening cultural celebrations at Fredrick Bremer school from 5.30pm. The school will also be showcasing a Tamil Heritage exhibition throughout the afternoon.
The Mayor of Waltham Forest, Councillor Karen Bellamy, The Leader of Waltham Forest, Councillor Grace Williams, as well as other local figures are set to attend and speak at the evening celebration.
In the run up to Tamil Heritage Month, Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council, said:
“We have around 2,000 residents of Tamil heritage in our borough, and many more local people with deep, long lasting connections to the Tamil community. We thoroughly enjoyed the showcase of their dance, food, and traditions at their Tamil Cultural Day in Fellowship Square in August. The richness of this culture will be shared, learnt, and embraced with other communities in our borough. I am delighted that we can join together again to celebrate their contributions this January and for many years to come.”
The Mayor of Waltham Forest, Cllr Karen Bellamy added:
“I am wishing the Tamil community in Waltham Forest and beyond a fantastic heritage month for January 2023. I wish your community good health and happiness. And massive thank you to Kuhan (who has lead the preparations for the celebration) who does so much for the community”.
Cllr Rosalind Doré, Cabinet Commissioner for Culture, gave her blessings for the event and celebration of Tamil heritage:
“Tamil culture has a rich and vibrant history in Waltham Forest, and I so pleased that we’ll be celebrating Tamil Heritage month in our borough. The series of events are an excellent opportunity for everyone to join those with Tamil heritage to learn and experience the vibrant culture of this unique and special community.”
Yours sincerely
Deputy Chief Executive Directorate
Waltham Forest Council
walthamforest.gov.uk