KUALA LUMPUR – The Tamil and Malayalee communities in this country will observe their new year festivals, namely Chittirai Puttandu and Vishu, respectively, tomorrow.
A survey at Little India in Brickfields here found many Hindus and Malayalees making final preparations, buying flowers, fruits, prayer items and thoranam (hanging decorations made from tender coconut leaf blades) since this morning, while strictly adhering to the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
All the items appeared to be sold at a reasonable price, with wholesale prices of most vegetables and flowers remaining stable.
A flower seller, S. Meenakshi, 45, said although the demand for flowers is high, the price has not been inflated this year.
“The supplier never increased the price, thus, there is no reason for us (sellers) to do so. Usually, the crowd also will come at night for last-minute shopping,” she said today.
Although people are allowed to go to temple this year, those celebrating are still encouraged to do so at home.
Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) president Datuk R.S. Mohan Shan, who encouraged the Tamil community to celebrate Chittirai Puthandu at home with their loved ones, said the Tamil new year will begin at 4.31am tomorrow, and the people can conduct prayers after 5am or in the evening.
“On the new year, people should prepare medicated water at home and take a bath while offering special prayers for the benefit of the world and community,” he said.
Mohan said MHS, together with 40 Indian non-governmental organisations (NGO), will organise a Tamil Puthandu Kondatam (Tamil new year celebration) at the Kala Mandabam here from 3pm to 7pm tomorrow.
“There will be cultural performances, like an Urume Meelam show, Poi-kal Kuthirai and book launch. We expect about 300 people to join in,” he said.
The start of the Tamil month of Chittirai is marked annually on the first day of the Tamil solar calendar, known this year as the Pilava Year.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Hindu Malayalee Cultural & Traditional Association (Pakar Malayalee Malaysia) president Dr N.R. Nambiar said Malayalees can hold prayers early in the morning to usher in the new year.
He said people can prepare the Vishukkani, which is a panorama of auspicious items, with flowers, Tulasi (holy basil), Konnapoo (Cassia fistula flower), grains, rice, a mirror and statue of Lord Krishna.
Vishu marks the first day of the Zodiac New Year, the first day of the month called Medam, according to the official panjangam (almanac) of Sri Guruvayoorappan Devaswom Kerala, Kerala Mathrubumi Panjangam, Kerala Valya Panjangam and Kerala Manorama Panjangam.
He said that Malayalees believe that the new year will be better if one views auspicious and joyful things as the first thing on Vishu.
Today, the Telugu community celebrates Ugadi while the Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi. – Bernama, April 13, 2021
