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PONGGAL is a harvest festival dedicated to the Sun God and is usually celebrated for four days from Jan 15 to Jan 18 according to the Tamil calendar. It is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Hindu community.
In conjunction with Ponggal festival today, SJK(T) Rajaji at Air Itam, Penang, decided to share the joy and celebrate it with invited guests.
“Ponggal celebrations date back at least 2000 years old,” said Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai, who was the guest of honour, in his speech.
“The four-day long harvest festival holds a great value for Hindus and traditionally it is a day to thank and appreciate Mother Earth, cows, farmers and the most important, the sun.
“Penang has a host of exciting festivals and events lined up throughout the year. Just like any other states in Malaysia, Penangites celebrate all the major religious festivals, namely Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Thaipusam, Deepavali, Christmas and Wesak Day.
Wong added that it is important for everyone to treasure their religion and language so that they would not disappear from future generation.
“Tradition should be preserved as it represents a critical piece of our culture. It helps form the structure and foundation of our families and our society,” he said.
“I believed that the state government is being very supportive of Tamil schools in terms of fund contributions and relevant projects for the schools’ betterment.
“On this auspicious day, I wish Happy Ponggal to everyone.”
Earlier, Wong was assisted by the school headmistress Jacinta Lourdu to lit a fire before a cooking pot was placed above it.
Some teachers then put rice and sugar into the pot as the fire was burning. Later, invited guests joined the teachers to pour milk into the pot.
Within minutes, the milk was boiled over and everyone shouted ‘Ponggalo Ponggal’ to usher in the auspicious moment.
Joining them were Parents and Teachers Association (PIBG) chairman V. Amaraselvan, School Board of Directors chairman R. Santhiran, Penang Hindu Association president M. Murugiah.
Story by K. Thaarshenii
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi