Ponggal-O-Ponggal!

Even though people back then were not well-off but they never failed to keep their tradition and custom. It is one of the most awaited celebration for us as a family because it brings everyone together.

Ponggal is celebrated on the first day of the Thai month, which is the 10th month in the Tamil calendar.

It is celebrated with much enthusiasm within the Tamil community all over the world. Thai is marked by giving new clothing for family members and prayers to the God for prosperity in the coming year. The Thai month is very auspicious for marriages as well.

As Malaysian Indian we don’t actually have a reason to celebrate Ponggal, as the festival is merely about ending the harvest season by dedicating their yield to the Sun God, Suriabhagawan. But we still follow the tradition as a sign of respect.

Homes are decorated with mango leaves and the floor is embellished with drawings and patterns using rice flour or coloured rice. Some also put up sugar canes outside their homes.

The first day of Ponggal is known as 'Bhogi', a day for family gathering dedicated to Lord Indran, the God of Clouds and Rains. Before sunrise, a huge bonfire of unwanted things is lit and kept burning throughout the night. The houses are then cleaned and decorated with Kolams and flowers.

The second day is called 'Thai Pongal' which is dedicated to the Sun God. Since the word 'Ponggal' means 'to boil over', it represents the plentiful yield.

When the milk is about to boil, everyone gathers around and shouts 'Ponggal-O-Ponggal' as the milk flows out of the pot. Later rice and sugar is added to the boiled milk.

A special dish is cooked in the 'Ponggapanai' which is called the 'Sarkkarai Ponggal'. It is offered to Sun God with sugarcane sticks and yummy homemade Indian sweets.

The third day, known as 'Mattu Pongal' is dedicated to the cows. Cowherds pay gratitude to their cows and bulls by painting the horns and covering them with shining clothes as well as metal caps. They are theb fed 'Ponggal' and bells are tied around their neck.

The last day is known as ‘Kaanum Pongal’, a special day for young girls and older women. On this day, early morning the eldest lady of the house applies turmeric paste on the faces of all the younger girls and fresh coconut oil to their hairs.

After a bath, the women offer small lime sized rice balls to the crows. The women pray for the health of their family and unmarried young girls pray for a happy marriage.