Thiruvananthapuram: In observance of Thaipongal, the major harvest festival of Tamil Nadu, six border districts of Kerala will have a local holiday on January 15. The districts are Idukki, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Palakkad and Wayanad.

These districts share a border with Tamil Nadu, where Thaipongal is celebrated with grandeur.

Thaipongal marks the start of the Tamil month of Thai and is dedicated to the Sun God, celebrating a bountiful harvest. People traditionally cook sweet rice dishes, offer prayers and decorate their homes.

In Kerala, these six districts observe a local holiday to allow the Tamil-speaking population to celebrate the festival.

The holiday is as per the state government’s official calendar.