MEMBERS of Oxford’s Tamil community gathered at the weekend to celebrate their New Year.

The Pongol celebrations took place at the Dosa Park restaurant in Frideswide Square.

The restaurant which serves serving classic South Indian dishes, including dosas and thalis, opened in 2015.

Members of the Tamil community gathered on Sunday for a special ceremony outside Dosa Park.

This involved the preparation of a traditionally prepared rice dish in a pot, featuring bamboo leave and sugar cane.

Among those who attended was Dr Paul Flather, patron of the Oxford Tamil Association.

Dr Flather said: “Traditionally with Pongol celebrations a pot with a specially prepared rice dish is allowed to boil over, animals get the day off, and the sun is praised.

“A special celebration thali plate was also on offer at the restaurant.

“The Oxford Tamil Association welcomed everyone to the event on Sunday as a positive sign of Oxford’s diverse community.”