Category: News and Events

The LNS Pillaiyar Nonbu celebration was held on 10 January 2026 at John F Kennedy Catholic School, bringing together nearly 300 Nagarathars for a wonderful day of tradition, community, and charity. The venue was beautifully decorated, and guests were warmly welcomed with refreshments, flowers, and thoughtful gifts including annual calendars, printed Malar, return gifts, and sponsored goodie bags.

The celebrations began with the Kuthu Vilaku lighting ceremony, Thumbu Pidithal by our aachis, and Elai Eduthal, where elders distributed elai to all families. A major highlight of the day was the Elam, led by a dedicated team whose efforts helped raise an incredible £13,700 – the highest amount in LNS history. Attendees also enjoyed a surprise serving of warm Sukku Malli Kaapi during the Elam.

This year also marked the 15th anniversary of the LNS Charity Team, continuing their remarkable work supporting education and marriages in India. LNS Annual Committee Presidents were selected for the next three years.

Pre-ordered Pongal kits were introduced this year and delivered on the day by Smart Bazaar. The evening concluded with a delicious dinner featuring traditional Chettinad dishes prepared by our aachis alongside signature items from Pandian Caterers.

The event was a true reflection of unity, heritage, and generosity, made possible by the hard work of volunteers, committee members, families, and sponsors. Special thanks to our photographers Somu and Karuppiah for beautifully capturing the moments – all PN photos can be viewed here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/iBLtY6zuLMAw9RCAA

We look forward to our next and final event on April 18th, 2026, in Ascot, celebrating Tamil New Year and welcoming the new committee.

To read the full story of the event, please check out the LNS Malar Edition, 2026: Issue 2.

The LNS-NaSaUK Deepavali celebration held on 8 November 2025 in Leicester was a vibrant and memorable occasion that brought families together from across the UK. Through the combined efforts of both committees and the dedication of many volunteers, the event was a true reflection of community spirit, culture, and festive joy.

Guests were warmly welcomed into a beautifully decorated venue with printed programme guides, mittai pai, flowers, and specially prepared in-house Pillaiyar Nonbu Kits, which were greatly appreciated for their cultural significance and thoughtful preparation.

The celebrations began with the lighting of the kuthuvilakku by our Achis, symbolising light, wisdom, and positivity. This was followed by a spectacular line-up of cultural performances that kept the audience engaged throughout the day. Children delighted everyone with their charming performances, while youth and adult dances brought energy and elegance to the stage. A highlight was the impressive Ramayanam skit performed by 31 children, showcasing remarkable teamwork and talent. The Parents & Kids Ramp Walk and Couples Ramp Walk were the showstoppers of the evening, with everyone participating in true celebratory spirit and bringing families together on stage in a joyous, light-hearted moment that had the entire hall cheering.

Another proud moment of the day was the presence of our Youth Nagarathars, who delivered a high-energy performance before unveiling their new logo and banner, marking an exciting new chapter for the younger generation of our community.

The energy of the day was carried effortlessly by RJ Bhuvana Lenin, whose humour, musical interludes, and lively presence kept everyone entertained. We extend our thanks to BITR for supporting her involvement.

A delicious festive feast catered by Pandian was enjoyed by all, along with a traditional paaku table featuring favourite items that brought a taste of home to the celebration. Generous sponsors and raffle prizes added to the festive atmosphere, while our volunteer photographers, Karuppiah and Shanmu, captured special memories throughout the day (https://photos.app.goo.gl/GaQez3pG8Z8QoGvXA).

The celebrations concluded with an exciting raffle draw followed by a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the Leicester sky, bringing smiles to children and adults alike. It was truly a day filled with laughter, pride, togetherness, and the joyful spirit of Deepavali.

To read the full story of the event, please check out the LNS Malar Edition, 2026: Issue 1.

LNS members came together on 5 October 2025 for a blessed and memorable Mahara Nonbu celebration filled with devotion, tradition, and community spirit. The venue was beautifully transformed into a divine setting with floral decorations, banners, and a warm welcome for families.

The event began with the lighting of the kuthuvilakku, prayer songs, and poojai led by Shankar Gurukkal. Sponsors were honoured, and attendees enjoyed learning about the significance of Mahara Nonbu through an inspiring speech by Mrs. Uma Ramanathan. The much-awaited Ambu Poduthal ceremony brought joy to all generations, as families took part in this cherished ritual. A special achievement this year was the creation of our very own LNS kizhikis, handcrafted and used in the ceremony. These will be passed on to future committees as a cherished legacy to help continue the tradition for years to come.

Following the ceremonies, everyone shared a delicious prasadam lunch and enjoyed fun family activities including a children’s pinata and fancy-dress parade of gods and goddesses. Special thanks to Shanmu annan for beautifully capturing the moments. It was a memorable day celebrating faith, heritage, and togetherness.

To read the full story of the event, please check out the LNS Malar Edition, 2026: Issue 1.

Our first event of the year, Chithraguptar Poojai was held on the 12th of May 2025.It was a vibrant and creative tradition thoughtfully initiated by Jaya Sendhil Aachi for LNS. As part of the celebration, we hosted a competition that truly showcased the talent and tradition among our women.

A big thank you to everyone who submitted their beautiful photos — from stunning kolams to lovely pooja setups, it was truly heartwarming to see the effort and creativity from our ladies! Our top three winners of the competition are:

• Ishwarya Annamalai
• Geetha Vijay
• Meena Thaiagarajan

Congratulations to all who participated and helped make the celebration so joyful and meaningful! Below is a collage of all the entries we received.

Chithraguptar pooja competition entries

Venue: St.Crispin’s School, London Rd, Wokingham RG40 1SS

Date / Time: Saturday 15th April 2023 / 10.30 AM to 5.30 PM

• The Chithirai Kondattam 2023 was planned to be conducted in the west of London, marking the first time in LNS history. The event was registered to be attended by 210 members, showcasing an overwhelming response from our Nagarathars for the Tamil New Year celebration.
• On the day, the weather was bright and sunny. The team members started arriving as early as 9 AM and began preparing the venue with decorations, microphones, and speaker settings to set the stage for the grand kondattam later on.
• Members started arriving at 10:30 for a meet and greet.
• Our treasurer, Mrs. Valli Vairavan, handled the registration desk in a welcoming manner
• At around 11:10 am, the event started with the lighting of the Kuthu Vilaku. Sivagami Achi and Sumathi Achi were responsible for lighting the Kuthu Vilaku.

• Prayer songs were sung by Yogesh Annamalai Raman and Akshara Vasantha Raman

• Young Nagarathar performers showcased their talents through dances, guitar performances, and quiz shows that lasted for nearly an hour. Their performances were well-received and appreciated by our members

• Next up were the Youth Nagarathars, who hosted a game show that was actively participated in by the members.

• Both the young and youth Nagarathars were presented with gifts such as water bottles, stationary holders, and bracelet jewelry to appreciate their performances and encourage them for future involvement.

• The first set of our sponsors, Aha Bazaar and Giri Trading UK, gave a speech about their products and trading.

• Later, our treasurer gave a summary of the accounts to the members, which included a quick summary of the income and expenses from past events.
• The event was hosted by Mrs. Usha Chellappan and Mrs. Priya Subramniam, who each managed the event smoothly and efficiently in their own style. It did not seem like it was their first time in this role. We would like to thank both of them for handing over the gifts to the performers early on.
• Around 1 pm, our traditional banana leaf (Vaalai Ilai) virundhu was served with the following menu. As the dining hall of the venue was perfectly suited for serving, it accommodated around 60 people for a pandhi.
• Veg Menu
• Gobi 65 (Starters)
• Veg Biryani
• Chappati
• Veg Kurma for Chappati
• White Rice
• Sambhar
• Rasam
• Vatha kulambu
• ChowChow Koottu
• White cabbage poriyal
• Curd
• Appalam
• Mango pickle
• Pineapple kesari

      With following Non-Veg items

• Chicken Briyani
• Lamb Masala

• Scrumptious food was enjoyed by everyone, and sweet beeda was served to complete the heavy lunch.

• After lunch, around 3 pm, the event started with Mr. Ganesh Kumar requesting donations from the members for the Kandanur Temple Kumbabishegam.

• Later, Mr. Raja Alagappan Annan and Mrs. Annu Achi welcomed the members for their 60th birthday celebrations.

• Infinity Keyz sponsor, Mr. Rajesh, delivered a presentation to our members about property investment.

• Our president Mr.Manikandan Ramanathan gave a detailed speech. A quick overview of the points.

1. Past Physical events.

Summer trip – BBQ themed held in CotsWold (100 people participated in the event)

Mahara Nombu – Initiated in UK for the first time by LNS held in London Sri Murugan temple, Eastham (100 people participated in the event)

Diwali Dhamaka – Jointly hosted with NaSa UK in Milton Keynes (400 people attended the event)

Pillayar Nombu – Held in Temple Hill Dartford – (250 people attended the celebrations)

Chithirai Kondattam – Held in Wokingham – (210 people participated in the kondattam)

Past Joint Online events (For Charity fund raising)

Comedy show – Mr.Praveen Kumar

Comedy Show – Mr Madurai Ramankrishnan and Mrs.Nidarchana

Financial Talk – Mr.Sekkappan Alagu, Mr.Sid Mohanty and Mr.Jas Ahuja

LNS Matrimony joint venture with NSNA (US)

• Thanked the members for their support towards the event happening in West of London for the first time and their support in huge numbers
• As this is the final event of the current committee, a huge message of thanks was delivered to the team members individually: Mrs. Meena Ashok, Mrs. Valli Vairavan, Prof. Nachiappan Subramanian, Mr. Chockalingam Natarajan, Mrs. Ishvarya Annamalai, and Mr. Chinna Meyyappan Thirunavukkarasu for their extraordinary support throughout the past year.
• Requested the incoming committee to continue the Mahara Nombu event, Youth wing, along with the regular events, in order to pass on our traditional values to the next generation.
• Suggestion to conduct Youth Nagarathar camps to the new committee, if possible.

• Later, incoming president Mr. Selva Muthalagappan was invited to deliver a speech, and to introduce the new committee to the members.

• He began his speech by expressing gratitude towards the outgoing committee and acknowledging their achievements. He then stated his desire to follow their path and continue to achieve more.

• The following members are part of the incoming committee:

Secretary: Mrs. Deepa Nachiappan

Treasurer: Mr. Sendhil Thiagarajan

Committee member: Mrs. Annu Alagappan

Committee member: Mr. Chidambaram Ganesan

Committee member: Mr. Peri Vairavan

Committee member: Mr. Senthilnathan Ramakrishnan

Webmaster: Mr. Mani Ramanathan

• The incoming committee members were welcomed by the current committee members with a ceramic plant pot, and they all introduced themselves.
• Mrs. Valli Vairavan and Mrs. Ishvarya Annamalai conducted the games. Members actively participated and enjoyed with fun and laughter.
• As the members were tired, both active and passive, evening snacks, Jelabi and Samosa, were served with tea and coffee.
• Finally, members started networking, and by around 5.30, all events finished successfully.
• An eco-friendly Jute bag with a cookie biscuit was given to the members as a return gift.
• We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the volunteers and members who helped us throughout the event for serving banana leaf food, preparing tea/coffee, and cleaning the venue.
• Special thanks to the following members:

Mr. Karuppaiah Vairavan – Taking pics the whole day to cover the event.

Mr. Swaminathan Subramanian – Transporting the non-veg food.

Mr. Sethuraman Murugappan, Mr. Annamalai Annamalai & Mr. Vairavan Sockalingam – Lending their cameras.

• We would like to extend our thanks to our sponsors for this event, which enables us to go the extra mile:

Infinity Keyz

Aha Bazaar

Giri Trading UK

A&R Solicitors

• Photo Links:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12MSxNLIEAungLQ93BfCoiU_rNOE9wZ1u?usp=share_link

• Please accept our apologies if we missed mentioning any of our members.
• Finally, once again, thanks to all the members who attended and supported the events for the past year. We wish all the best to the incoming committee and hope you extend the same support to them too.

Thank you all.

LNS Committee 2022/2023.

Dec 30, 2022 – LNS Pillaayar Nombu was held in line with nagarathar tradition at Temple Hill Square, Dartford DA1 5HY from 5.30 PM to 10 PM. Around 240+ members gathered to get the blessings of Lord Vinayagar and it felt more like a big family get together rather than a formal event.

PILLAYAR NONBU EVENT MINUTES

Venue: Temple Hill Square, Dartford DA1 5HY

Date / Time: Friday 30^th December 2022 / 5.30 PM to 10:00 PM

• The LNS Pillayar Nonbu was held (per Nagarathar tradition) at Temple Hill Hall, Dartford. Members started arriving from

5 pm onwards and the event lasted until 10.00 pm. The meeting was attended by nearly 240+ members in total, an amazing turnout.

• Achi’s and Teen girls were involved in decorating the floor with Nadu Veetu Kollam and preparing Pillayar idol with decorations. They all deserve a huge applause.
• Chettiars were involved in makingthe Elai and trained the teen boys for the same. LNS did appreciate all participating teen boys and Annan’s.
• Mr Nachiappan Subramanian welcomed the members for joining the Pillaiyar Nombu event & conducted the event.
• The event was initiated by lighting the kuthu vilakku by Mrs Seetha Thenappan Aachi, Mrs Geetha Karuppiah Achi , Mrs Jeya Senthil Achi ,Mrs.Mekala Achi and Mrs.Sumathi Radha Achi

• Prayer songs – Started with our little super singers: Aishwarya Kannamai Chidambaram,Sanjana Chinna Meyyappan and Anishwar Chellappan. Then followed by Mrs.Meenakshi Arun,Mrs.Abirami Kasiviswanathan,Mrs.ValliKannu Chockalingam & Mrs.Thenmozhi Senthilkumar

• Our president Mr Manikandan Ramanathan gave an update about the significance of becoming a LNS member. Also welcomed the new President of LNS 2023-24 Mr. Selva Muthalagappan & his team.

Congratulations to the new committee and we wish them all success:

• President                      Mr.Selva Muthalagappan
• Secretary                      Mrs.Deepa Nachiappan
• Treasurer                      Mr.Sendhil Thiagarajan
• Committee member     Mrs.Annu Alagappan
• Committee member     Mr.Chidambaram Ganesan
• Committee member     Mr.Peri Vairavan
• Committee member     Mr.Senthilnathan Ramakrishnan
• Webmaster         Mr.Mani Ramanathan

• Recognizing the work done by other LNS committees for their continued effort, a memento was handed over to the following members by our trustee Mrs. Geetha Karuppiah & Mr. Karuppiah Thiyagarajan Annan

        Malar Committee

• Mr. Periyakaruppan Vairavan
  • Mr. Karunamoorthy Karunanithi
  • Mrs. Sujatha Sethuraman

        Charity Committee

• Mr. Senthilnathan Solayappan

        Continuing the tradition of recognizing the previous committee to keep us engaged during hybrid Covid situation, previous committee members were handed over the memento.

        2021/22 Committee

• Mr Selvaganesan Ramanathan
  • Mr Chellappan Palaniappan
  • Mr Veerappan Annamalai
  • Mrs Manjula Alagappan
  • Mr Alagappan Palaniappan
  • Mr Chinna Meiyappan Thirunavukkarasu
• Later, periya deepam was performed by Mr. Thenappan Annan.
• Following the prayer songs, the Elais’ were given by: Mr N. Raja Alagappan annan, Mr. Karuppaiah annan, Mr. Thenappan Annan helped by the volunteers.
• Homemade delicious dinner was served supplemented by additional food from the caterer. Thanks to all Achis and Annan who made the effort in preparing and bringing the food. There was a variety of food items (which included some traditional Nagarathar specialties such as vellai paniyaram, karupati paniayaram, vadai among others) that was a relish. 
• After dinner, Yellam was conducted by Mr. Karuppiah Annan, Mr. Karunamoorthy, Mr. Raja Algappan Annan & Mr. Nachiappan Subramanian Annan (Thanks to all of them). This year our yellam raised an amount of £3471 (Three thousand Four hundred and seventy one pounds).  Details of yellam items and winning contributions are as follows:
• Turmeric – Mrs.Jaya Senthil – £91
• Turmeric – Mr.Ganesh Kumar – £71
• Sugar Candy (Karkandu) – Mr.Senthil – £61
• Jaggery [ Vellam ] – Mr. Sriram – £201
• Dates -Mrs.Geetha Karuppiah – £81
• Lemon-Mrs.Usha Chellappan – £71
• Coconut – Mrs.Ramya Chellappan – £31
• Betal Leaves [Vettrilai ] – Mrs.Geetha Karuppiah – £61
• Salt – Mrs. Sivagami Muthiah – £201
• Boys Shirt-Mrs.Lakshmi Velappan – £21
• Girls Dress- Mrs.Saraswathi Annamalai – £11
• Silver Pillaiyar – Mrs.Uma Valliappan – £731
• Silver Kamatchi Amman Villakku – Mrs.Sindhu Senthil – £211
• Silver Kum Kum Chimil – Big – Mr.Senthil Thiagarajan – £151
• Silver Saavi Kothu – Mrs.Geetha Vijay – £281
• Silver Cow & calf – Mrs.Annu Meyyappan – £371
• Silver Thulasi madam – Mr. Kasi Viswanathan – £121
• Silver House – Mr. Manikandan ramanathan – £221
• Silver Kulam Vallum Pillai – Mr. Alagu Sundaram – £201
• Silver Kulam Vallum Pillai -Mr.Ram – £131
• Silver Kulam Vallum Pillai – Mrs.Usha Chellappan – £151

• The committee would like to thank all the members who helped raise money for charity through the yellam. Members who obtained the yellam items are requested to kindly make their payment by the end of February to the LNS account – with reference ‘XXXX yellam’ where XXXX is your membership ID e.g. L132 or Y155. Once payment has been made, please advise the LNS Treasurer on treasurer@londonnagarathar.org .

        The Sangam(normal) account details are:

        Bank        :               HSBC

        Sort Code :               40-06-21

        Account No:            41561847

        Account   :               London Nagarathar Sangam

• Vote of thanks was delivered by Mr. Chinna Meiyappan Thirunavukkarasu
• LNS Committee would like to sincerely thank: (apologies if we have missed anyone, it is unintentional)
• The achi’s (and chettiars) who prepared the delicious food in enough quantity
• Mrs Nachu Manikandan, Mrs Valliammai Vairavan and Mrs.Meena Ashok for effort in preparing the tasty ellai maavu.
• Thanks to Mrs.Ishvarya Annamalai’s parents & Mr. Chinna Meyyappan Thirunavukkarasu for purchasing the perfect silver items.
• We would like to thank Mr.Rama Sellappan, Mr.Raam and Mr. Chinna Meyyappan Thirunavukkarasu for bringing the Silver Elam items from India.
• Mrs. Seetha Thenappan, Mrs. Sharmila Mohan, Mr. Raja Alagappan Annan & Mrs. Sumathy Radha Achi for providing the required pooja items.
• Mr.Chidambaram Arunachalam in purchasing the rest of Elam items.
• Mr. Shanmuga Sundaram Subbiah for purchasing the supplementary food.
• All members who helped with the distribution of food (buffet style food display and managing Coffee, Tea, Snacks)
• Last but not the least, BIG thank you to all members who voluntarily helped to clean up the event hall, thank you _/\_

• Registration desk was handled by Mrs Ishvarya Annamalai, Mrs.Lakshmi Vellappan & Mrs.Karthika Chinna Meyyappan.
• Nice pictures were taken during the event to capture all moments. Thanks to Mr. Manikandan Thiyagarajan, Mr. Ashok Chellappan, Mr. Annamalai Annamalai & Master. Parthasarathy Muthiah
• Tamil daily calendars for 2023 were distributed to the members. Members who couldn’t attend the Pillayaar Nonbu event can contact the committee to collect the calendar later.
• Special thanks to our sponsors:
• Mrs Meena Manickam (UcRB) for the Calendars sponsorship
• Mrs Vasantha Shanmugam for the Flowers (Malligai)

• Photos Links:

Link1

Link2

• Our NEXT EVENT – Tamil New Year that will be celebrated on 15 April 2023, Saturday. Detailed email would follow soon. Please save the date.

Thank you all

LNS Committee 2022 / 2023

Dec 04, 2022 – LNS and NaSa UK conducted financial talk show covering different financial aspects with eminent expert speakers.

Mr. Sekkappan Alagu MBA CeMAP – Whole of Market, independent mortgage & insurance advisers

Mr.Jas Ahuja – Pensions & Investments

Mr. Sid Mohanty Msc CeMAP CeFA ASWW Aff.STEP – Estate and Trust planning Consultant

Teasers

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cls7XNgIudD/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cls70lpo-RZ/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=

Poster

Oct 29, 2022 – LNS & NaSa UK jointly celebrated Diwali Dhamaka 2022 in Milton Keynes. Members signed up in record numbers (370+) for the event and made it a grand success. Variety of performance from kids and adults culturals, quizzes, talk shows were performed by members. Breakfast, Lunch and snacks were arranged for members by both sangams.

Dear Nagarathar Friends,

அங்கண் விசும்பின் அகல்நிலாப் பாரிக்கும்
திங்களும் சான்றோரும் ஒப்பர்மன் – திங்கள்
மறுவாற்றம்சான்றோர் அஃதாற்றார் தெருமந்து
தேய்வர் ஒருமாசு உறின்.

நாலடியார் விளக்கம்
=====================

அழகிய இடத்தினையுடைய வானத்தில் விரிந்த நிலவினைப் பரப்பும் சந்திரனும் மேன்மக்களும் பெரும்பாலும் தம்முள் ஒப்பாவார். ஆனால், திங்கள் தன்னிடமுள்ள களங்கத்தைப் பொறுத்துக்கொள்ளும்;
மேன்மக்களோ அதனைப் பொறார். அவர்கள் தமது ஒழுக்கத்தில் ஒரு சிறிது தவறு நேர்ந்தாலும் வருந்தி மெலிவர்.

We are quite simply thrilled to have seen so many of you at Diwali Dhamaka 2022 on Saturday in Milton Keynes.

A day filled with love, kindness and celebration galore as we all came together to rejoice this Festival of Light. Beaming and radiant in spectacular colours, there was a flurry of activity at the Magic Mirror with props adorned for that treasured photo opportunity. Starting the day with some delicious Pongal, uthappam and vadai this Deepavali was set to be extra special right from the start.

Months of preparation culminated in a few swift hours. We had a host of performances from both children and adults alike and was elegantly compered by both the morning and afternoon teams. The talent on display was insurmountable and stood stamp for the wealth of ability within our community. It was our delight in showcasing all the varied programmes and we are ever grateful to everyone involved in event planning and all those who actively participated and passively supported to make every show spectacular.

We are also most thankful to our sponsors and both LNS and NaSaUK who have collaborated together to make this event a reality. Most importantly we could not have done without all of your goodwill which was abundant all the way – be it in engaging and practising towards a performance, in eagerly purchasing tickets, in volunteering and helping on the day, in filling the venue with smiles and so much more – from the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU !!

Till next time, here’s a couple of links to pictures taken on the day by our remarkable Nagarathar photographers:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/syexXHAJE4DrpYfn6

https://photos.app.goo.gl/qx3pgGRs647z76Yz5

Here is the much awaited vlog by London Tamizhan Raju Bhai.

Needless to say, Diwali Dhamaka 2022 was an absolute success in coming together and celebrating as one community.

Wishing you a super week.

Kind regards

Manikandan Ramanathan, LNS and Selva Muthalagappan, NaSaUK