KUALA LUMPUR – The harvest festival of Ponggal, celebrated by the Tamil community, is a rather muted affair this year, as it falls during Malaysia’s second movement control order and emergency rule imposed to curb Covid-19.
Instead of flocking to temples for prayers, Hindus are observing the occasion at home, in line with the “new norms” brought about by the pandemic.
There is a silver lining, however.
The smaller celebration allows families to forge closer bonds, something especially valuable in these trying times.
The festival is celebrated over four days.
The Thai Ponggal celebrations usually begin the day before with Bhogi, when old clothes and materials are discarded or burned to mark the beginning of a new life cycle.
Thai Ponggal – also known as Surya Ponggal – sees families preparing ponggu sorru, which consists of rice, milk and brown sugar.
The ingredients are boiled in clay pots until they overflow, marking the start of the celebrations, and signifying prosperity and fertility.
The ponggu sorru is then offered to the sun god, Lord Surya, to welcome the spring season.
Maatu Ponggal on the third day is when bulls and cows are honoured and decorated for their role during the farming season.
The final day of the celebrations, known as Kaanum Ponggal, is usually dedicated to visiting family and friends.
The Vibes Visuals Team’s Kogulan Ayappan and Sairien Nafis capture devotees’ preparations for the festival today. – The Vibes, January 14, 2021
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