AN extravaganza Ponggal celebration is set to take place in Penang this weekend, featuring the rich traditions of the Tamil community in a vibrant, village-like festive setting.
The event, named ‘Pesta Ponggal Madani & Kebudayaan Kadun Batu Uban,’ will be happening on Jan 19 from 2pm to 10pm at Batu Uban Youth and Sports Complex. Organised by Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan, the event offers free admission.
According to Kumaresan, one of the key attractions will be an attempt to enter Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) by constructing a 15 x15 feet Ponggal Pot decorated with 200kg of fresh flowers.
Another notable feature is the parade of a total of 20 bullock carts, which will travel a distance of 2km from Minden Heights to the event venue.
“Visitors will also get the opportunity to go for a ride in the bullock carts within the compound of the Batu Uban Youth and Sports Complex.
“The Ponggal celebration will resemble a ‘thiruvizha’ (traditional celebration). Other programmes include a flower tying competition, ‘kuttu villuku’ (Indian lamp) decoration competition, ‘uriyadi’ (breaking the pot) competition and more.
“There will also be a Ponggal cooking competition for 300 participants showcasing their culinary skills in preparing the traditional sweet rice dish, Ponggal,” he added.
Ten government agencies, including the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Tabung Ekonomi Kumpulan Usaha Niaga TEKUN Nasional, Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA), SME Corp, Bank Rakyat, Malaysia’s Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), Penang Development Corporation (PDC), Amanah Ikhtiar, Department of Social Welfare Malaysia, and Suruhanjaya Koperasi Malaysia, will set up booths at the event.
Attendees can also participate in a lucky draw with 50 prizes, including a motorcycle as the grand prize. Registration for luck draw will be open from 2pm to 2:30pm.
“As of now, 1,000 participants have registered for the traditional games competition, and we expect another 1,000 through walk-in registration on the day itself.
“We invite everyone, not only the Indian community but people of all races, to attend this unity Ponggal celebration. Come and be part of this grand event and enjoy,” he said.
The event will also feature food stalls, with performances by local artists such as, Santhesh, Vikadakavi, and others. It will be emceed by Penang’s very own, Emcee Sugein.
Dr P. Kugilan, founder and chief executive officer of Key Global Network, shared that the celebration will start with traditional activities and games until 5pm, followed by musical performances by local artists until 10pm.
“It was YB Kumar’s idea to bring the bullock carts to add vibrancy to the celebration. We want to highlight the Tamil traditions in a grand manner and that is why all these efforts are being taken,” he added.
It is also learned that the owners of the bullock carts will be awarded certificates in recognition of their efforts to preserve Tamil heritage.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Lim Min Jun