‘Pongal’ in the Gulf: Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait:
Bahrain is home for over 7,000 Tamils who are mostly professionals and workers. Qatar is also home for about 4,000 Tamils mostly from Tamil Nadu. In December 2000, Qatar Tamil Sangam was inaugurated for conducting Tamil cultural programmes. The organisation taught teachings of Thirukkural. Also, the organisation conducted Tamil elocution contests for Tamil children. In United Arab Emirates (UAE), there are 10,000 Tamils who live in several states. These Tamils have come from Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka as professionals and workers in many sectors.
‘Pongal’ Celebration in These Countries:
Tamils residing in these countries have started to build up the feeling of togetherness. Few Hindu temples have been erected in Oman and Dubai. ‘Pongal’ is celebrated on grand scale in Dubai and in few other states. In Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, there are substantial numbers of Tamils who have migrated recently. Of late, ‘Pongal’ is celebrated here too.