STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Between night sky gazing and incrementally more light-filled days, January is a remarkable time of the year for the Earth. These seasonal joys are just what Staten Island’s Tamil community will be celebrating this week with their annual Hindu harvest festival called Thai Pongal.

“May this Thai Pongal bring you joy, prosperity, and harmony, as we celebrate the harvest and offer gratitude to the sun for its eternal blessings,” said Indra Emmanuel, president of the Ilankai Tamil Sangam.

The Clove Lakes-based not-for profit is a cultural hub for a number of Sri Lankans.

For about three decades, Staten Island has been home to the largest population of Sri Lankans outside of former Ceylon, making this festival a significant cultural event for the community.

This year’s feast will be held at the Port Richmond High School Auditorium at 85 St. Joseph’s Ave. on Saturday, Jan. 18. Appetizers are offered from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. with dinner at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free although the hosts request that guests RSVP to Bala at 347-235-2604 or Kohulan at 917-596-9415.

On Saturday morning, members of the Hindu temple will congregate with a Pot Pangal service outside of the Hindu temple at 9 a.m. at 1318 Victory Blvd., Sunnyside. All are welcome, says Emmanuel.

The yumminess of Thai Pongal

The harvest festival by the Hindu calendar starts in mid-January. As the longer days suggest, the celebration acknowledges the beginning of the end of winter and the passage of the sun as it travels north. The deity Surya is a central figure in the festivities.

With food, a savory, daal-based dish called “Pongal” marks the tradition, symbolizing prosperity. Its sweet counterpart, sakkarai, includes the cozy flavors of cardamom, coconut, and jaggery, a crystallized version of sugary sap that can be likened to molasses.

Other eats to commemorate the occasion include vade, fried lentil doughnuts, and rice pudding.

These and other traditional dishes can be enjoyed at the Port Richmond festival. Throughout the year, Sri Lankan fare can be found at a handful of borough restaurants including Michelin-acknowledged Sagara Food City , Ceylon Curry, Dosa Garden, and New Asha, all in Tompkinsville.

Lakruwana in Stapleton and Randiwa in Bulls Head are other options.

Pamela Silvestri is Advance/SILive.com food editor. She can be reached at .