Pongal prayers & feasts among Malaysia’s Tamil Hindus

Malaysia’s Tamil Hindu community is gearing up for the joyous celebration of Pongal on Monday (Jan 15), the most cherished harvest festival.

This cultural event, rooted in deep traditions, involves the preparation of the iconic sweet rice dish, Pongal, as a symbol of gratitude to the Sun God for a bountiful harvest.

Pongal, more than a religious event

Pongal is not merely a religious event; it’s a joyous celebration that embodies the essence of a farmer’s life, agriculture, and holds profound, hidden meanings.

President of Malaysia Hindhudharma Maamandram, A. Radhakrishnan, stressed the significance of Pongal as one of the most significant festivals celebrated by Tamil communities globally.

“The festivities, spanning four days, commence with ‘Bhogi,‘ a day dedicated to introspection, symbolised by the burning of old and unused household items.

This ritual serves as a metaphor to reflect within and eliminate negativity, marking the initiation of a new cycle,” explained Radhakrishnan.

Thai Pongal, the central day

The festival’s central day is Thai Pongal, falling on Monday (Jan 15), dedicated to the Sun God. Families rise early to prepare the special dish ‘Pongal,’ symbolising abundance and prosperity as the rice boils and overflows from the pot.

Radhakrishnan further explained the subsequent days of celebration. ‘Mattu Pongal,‘ the third day, involves worshipping cattle believed to contribute to a successful harvest.

The fourth day, ‘Kanni Pongal,‘ sees unmarried women making Pongal, praying for good husbands.

Celebrated in the 10th month of the Tamil calendar, Thai, Pongal follows a solar calendar, marking the Sun’s northward movement for six months.

President of Malaysia Hindu Sangam, Ganesan Thangavellu, shared auspicious times for sweet rice preparation this year, emphasising the morning as the advisable cooking period.

He highlighted the auspicious times to prepare the sweet rice this year between 7 am to 8.30 am, 10.25 am to 11.52 am, and 2.30 pm to 4 pm.

Various celebrations across Malaysia, including the National Unity Ministry’s national-level Pongal celebration and MIC’s Pongal Festival in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 15, will showcase the cultural richness and unity within the Malaysian Tamil community.