LATEST NEWS AND UPDATE
ToNE Namma Oru Pongal 2026
Thank you to everyone who has already booked tickets ,your overwhelming support means a lot to us.
For those who still wish to book, please do so as soon as possible, as we will be closing registrations shortly.
The booking link can be accessed via the QR code or the link below.
https://forms.gle/6TEFRVofaq1FFhEr7
Preparations are going well, and practices are in full swing. We’re looking forward to an amazing event together
To Book for ToNE Namma ooru pongal , please use below registration link https://forms.gle/6TEFRVofaq1FFhEr7
To Join ToNE Community whatsapp group please message 07872310385
Date - 7/1/26
ToNE Namma Oru Pongal 2026 -Gramathu Kummi
Gramathu Kummi Practice
We are meeting on 11 Januray and 17 January at Bingley Hall at 3:00 PM to practice Gramathu Kummi.
We often hear from many people that they are interested in dance, but not specifically in Gramathu Kummi. However, dance is dance and more importantly,
Gramathu Kummi is one of our traditional Tamil folk dances. If we do not pass on our language, traditions, and culture to the younger generation, they may slowly disappear over time.
To promote and preserve our Tamil Nadu traditional dance, we have decided to perform Gramathu Kummi wherever possible, at any ToNE event.
The two scheduled meeting is to practice the steps together. It is not just about standing in a circle and clapping there are several beautiful steps involved.
The best part is that anyone can participate, from young to old. It is also a great form of physical exercise.
We warmly invite men, women, and children, especially those who feel they don’t know how to dance, to join us.
Come, practice Gramathu Kummi, and help us promote and preserve our culture. See you all there
Bingley Baptist Church
The Hall
3 Clyde St, Bingley BD16 4LJ
To Book for ToNE Namma ooru pongal , please use below registration link https://forms.gle/6TEFRVofaq1FFhEr7
To Join ToNE Community whatsapp group please message 07872310385
Date - 7/1/26
ToNE Namma Oru Pongal 2026 -Parai percussion drum workshop 7 practice
Hello everyone,
If anyone is interested in learning Parai for FREE , this is a great opportunity.
Please drop in at the location below by 4:30 PM on 11 January and 5pm on 17 Janurary. Kindly do not arrive later than this. Also, PM me if you are planning to come.
📍 Venue:
Bingley Baptist Church – The Hall
3 Clyde Street, Bingley, BD16 4LJ
Please bring a bag, as we will be giving out Parai instruments to take home for 2 weeks of practice.
Trust me, this is a great opportunity to learn Parai within 2 weeks and perform.
If you’re interested please drop a message to 07872310385 there are limited places available, and it’s first come, first served.
See you all at the venue.
@Bradfordhinducouncil @tonecommunity @tamilsofnortheast @paraiworkshop
To Book for ToNE Namma ooru pongal , please use below registration link https://forms.gle/6TEFRVofaq1FFhEr7
Date - 3/1/26
ToNE Namma Oru Pongal Rangoli / Kolam Competition (Poti)-2026
We are once again organizing a Pongal Kolam(Rangoli ) Competition this year 2026 in the following four categories:
KS1: Ages 4–6 years
KS2: Ages 7–11 years
KS3: Ages 12–17 years
Adults: Ladies – 17+ years
Instructions by Category
KS1 (Ages 4–6): Time = 5mins
A sheet with a Pulli Kolam pattern will be provided.
Children must follow the same pattern and draw it below.
Dots will be provided.
KS2 (Ages 7–11): Time = 5mins
A sheet with a Pulli Kolam pattern will be provided.
Children must follow the same pattern and draw it below.
KS3 (Ages 12–17): Time = 5mins
Only a plain sheet will be provided.
Children must draw their own Pulli Kolam pattern.
⚠️ Only Pulli Kolam will be considered. Any other style will be disqualified.
Adults (Ladies – 17+ years): Time = 10mins
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White rangoli powder will be provided.
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Only Pulli Kolam is allowed, any other type of kolam will be disqualified.
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Time limit: 10 minutes.
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Participants may bring and use colored powder if they wish.
Important:
It is mandatory to register names for the competition.
Please share the participant’s name in the WhatsApp group .
Prizes for winners
Please trust us, even if the children are not perfect, they learn a lot by participating in the competition. So do encourage them and enrol their names.
Thank you and looking forward to your participation.
To Book for ToNE Namma ooru pongal , please use below registration link https://forms.gle/6TEFRVofaq1FFhEr7
ToNE Namma Ooru pongal Competition for Kids -2026
Online session on 4/1/26, Time- will be updated in whatsapp
Things to keep it ready before call-
🌱 Growing Sprouts Competition
Compost,container to grow, soaked seeds of your preference.Soak it for 1 day atleast.
🍲 Pongal Pot-Making Competition
Scissors,news paper set ( 5), glue or plain flour, one balloon
To Join ToNE Community whatsapp group please message 07872310385
To Book for ToNE Namma ooru pongal , please use below registration link https://forms.gle/6TEFRVofaq1FFhEr7
Date - 2/1/26
As we come to the end of 2025, we reflect with pride and gratitude on a truly successful and memorable year for Tamils of North East-ToNE.
We began the year on a festive note by celebrating Pongal, one of our most cherished traditions. The event beautifully showcased our heritage through traditional dance forms, naatupura paadalgal, and a delicious festive feast. It brought back fond memories of how Pongal is celebrated back home in India and filled our hearts with joy and togetherness.
This was followed by our Women’s Day celebration, another unforgettable occasion. We were honoured by the presence of our elders, and the sight of everyone draped in the same colour sarees was truly special. It symbolised unity, strength, and the shared values that bind us together as one community.
Later in the year, ToNE collaborated with Bradford Hindu Council -BHC to host the Harmony Festival. True to its name, the event celebrated the diverse talents and art forms from various regions of India. A milestone moment was our collective rendition of “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara”, reflecting national integration and harmony. Individuals of all cultures and religions and came together to sing this song which made it more special. Participants travelled from all across the UK to showcase their talents, highlighting the growing reach and impact of this event.
Throughout the year, ToNE was honoured to represent the Tamil community at various religious and cultural ceremonies across different faiths in Yorkshire. We were also proud to receive invitations from both Bradford and Leeds Councils to participate in community events . Additionally, BHC & ToNE continued its annual participation in the Remembrance Day event held at Bradford City Centre.
One of the major highlights of the year was our Deepavali celebration, filled with festive spirit and joy. The fireworks display at the end was especially loved by our children and teenagers, making the celebration truly memorable.
This year also marked the launch of ToNE Nattramil Palli, which is growing organically and receiving strong community support. As part of this initiative, Nattramil Palli not only taught our own students but also guided students from other Tamil schools for the Manchester Thirukkural Competition. Our students participated in the competition and won prizes, making us immensely proud. All funds collected through ToNE Nattramil Palli will be reserved and planned for charitable causes in India. As a starting initiative, we aim to support the education of at least two students, from their first year through to final year of study by the year 2027. Alongside this, ToNE continues to support the Leeds Painthamil Paada Salai.
Encouraging young minds remained a key focus this year. During the summer, we conducted the ToNE Futrepreneurship Program, where children showcased their talents by creating and selling products to the public. The initiative was very well received by the public, several individual of public commended the childrens word and they were thoroughly impressed by this initiative, and we plan to expand it further next year so do keep an eye out for this exciting opportunity.
Our Father’s Day celebration at Mojo was another heart-warming event, where fathers enjoyed quality time together and were touched by thanksgiving messages from their families.
Throughout the year, ToNE actively supported local businesses and small enterprises across the Yorkshire region and contributed to several charitable causes. Looking ahead, we are planning to expand our charitable efforts to support communities in India as well, with a clear and meaningful roadmap for the future.
None of this would have been possible without your unwavering support. We are deeply grateful to each and every one of you. Your encouragement and involvement have helped ToNE grow stronger, and this growth continues to serve the betterment of our community.
As you all know, planning has already begun for our upcoming Pongal celebration 2026. We warmly invite everyone to join hands and contribute by taking up coordination or programme management roles. The more hands that come together, the stronger we are as a team.Once again, thank you all for being part of this journey.Wishing you and your families a Happy and Prosperous New Year 2026.
To Join ToNE Community whatsapp group please message 07872310385
TeamToNE
Date: 31/12/25