KUANTAN: Devotees adorned in traditional costumes turned into cooks at the Sri Murugan Temple in Kampung Tiram here yesterday to thank the Sun God for a bountiful harvest and prosperity.
Dressed in colourful dhoti and sari, some 300 people gathered at the compound as early as 7am to offer their prayers before celebrations started at 8.30am.
Cries of Pongalo Pongal, (which means “to overflow” in Tamil), reverberated throughout the temple when rice, milk and brown sugar, which were boiled in clay pots, overflowed atop firewood stoves.
The temple management had prepared 50 pots for devotees and their families who wished to participate.
Devotee Thayalan Selvan, 45, said it was the first time in years since his family celebrated Pongal outside the home. Usually they would come to the temple only to offer prayers.
“I told my children about the significance of this festival. They were excited when the milk overflowed from the clay pot.
“Hindus believe that it signifies wealth, happiness and prosperity ahead.
“Previously, the earthen pots used to boil the milk were plainly designed. But now, the pots have attractive motifs and colours, which makes the festival all the more cheerful,” the father of three said.
On the eve of Pongal, also known as Bhogi, old items are discarded and burnt to cast away old ways of thinking and sins.
Pongal is celebrated at the end of the harvest season to thank the Sun God.
The day after Pongal is called Maatu Pongal, when one offers thanks to bulls and cows.
The third day, Kaani Pongal, is when young unmarried ladies pray for a good life.
In Port Klang, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan biodiversity lecturer Nivaarani Arumugam said she was determined to return home after hearing the wish of her mother, Koperun Devi Perimanam, to celebrate Pongal together this year.
The 29-year old arrived at her family home in Kampung Idaman here on Thursday, after an eight-hour bus journey from Kelantan.
“Being physically present to celebrate Pongal, rather than seeing pictures or listening to the festivities over the phone, is different. On the morning of Pongal, I would perform my prayers. My mother would be sad that I’m not there, as I’m the only daughter in the family,” she said.
In Ipoh, the Pongal festival took a multiracial turn, as displayed by Ooi Mei Kim, 43, who has been married to New Straits Time photographer L. Manimaran, 50, for 11 years.
Their daughter, M. Reginakim, 10, was helping Ooi prepare for the celebration.
“It is good for children to understand and embrace different cultures,” Ooi, who works as a nurse at a clinic in Taman Ipoh Jaya, said.
Down in Johor Baru, the Indian community started the first day of the celebration by visiting the temple and holding a small gathering with family members.
S. Subra, 60, and wife Meera Nathan, 48, held a family gathering at their home in Tampoi and savoured home-cooked meals.
“Everyone got up early and wore our best clothes to show our gratitude for all the blessings in our lives.
“Even though the economy is experiencing a slowdown, my son is able to find a good job recently. If that is not something to be thankful for, I don’t know what is.
“Every year, we observe this ceremony so our lives will be smooth sailing from year to year. We have bought sugar cane, bananas, coconuts and turmeric leaves.
“Our colourful kolam, made from rice, welcomes visitors at the door.” Additional reporting by Dawn Chan and Chuah Bee Kim