Grateful for a bountiful harvest

Which one?: Gaithsir Maniam and her son Akshayen Suresh choosing a claypot for the Ponggal celebration at Jalan Tengku Kelana in Klang.

 

PONGGAL is celebrated by Indians to give thanks for a bountiful harvest and also marks the start of the new year with the first month called ‘Thai’.

Ponggal starts with Bhogi where the house is cleaned. Surya Ponggal, which is today, honours the Sun god and members of the family wear new clothes and boil milk to cook the sweet rice using a new pot.

The third day is Maattu Pongal and honours cattle. Cows and bullocks are washed, decorated and worshipped for their role in ensuring a good harvest. The last day is Kanni Ponggal where young women pray for a good life and a good husband.

(Source: The Star Online)