Ponggal Celebrations In Malaysia
By Samantha Tan Chiew Ting
PENANG, Jan 13 : Though the Tamils in Malaysia are moving away from the agricultural sector, the annual harvest festival called Ponggal remains close to the heart of the community.
Ponggal falls on Jan 14 (Jan 15 during leap years), and it signifies the beginning of the auspicious month of ‘Thai’. Tamils believe in the saying, ‘Thai pirandaal, vazhi pirrakkum’, which means the month of Thai brings a ray of hope.
In Tamil Nadu, India, Ponggal is celebrated on a larger scale compared to Deepavali. However, in Malaysia, Deepavali and Thaipusam are celebrated on a larger scale compared to Ponggal.
PONGGAL GAINING PROMINENCE
However, Ponggal is increasingly gaining prominence in Malaysia due to its promotion on a national scale.
Ponggal is celebrated for four days. The Tamils show their appreciation to Mother Earth for a good harvest that year.
The first day of the festival is known as Bhogi (cleaning the house), the second day is called Vitthu Ponggal (a ceremony to thank the Sun God), the third day is called Maatu Ponggal (to thank oxen) and the last day is called Kanni Ponggal (maidens’ celebrations).
In Malaysia, importance is given to the second day (Vitthu Ponggal) and the third day (Maatu Ponggal).
Vitthu Ponggal begins with the boiling of milk in earthenware pots in the outdoors to thank the Sun God. After the milk is boiled, rice, brown sugar and ghee are added to it.
Houses are decorated with sugar canes. Floors are decorated with artwork (kolam), made of rice powder. Earthenware pots are also painted with colourful designs, with turmeric leaves tied around the pots.
Maatu Ponggal is celebrated by people who own cattle. Oxen are washed, their horns are decorated and flower garlands are placed on their necks.
For Indians, an ox is a sacred animal because it is the messenger of Lord Shiva. An ox was once sent to Earth bearing a message that mortals should only eat once a month to get rid of their sins on a daily basis. However, the ox conveyed the message incorrectly and informed the mortals to eat daily and get rid of their sins once a month. This made Lord Shiva angry, who then banished the animal from heaven. He made the ox plough fields on Earth to produce more food for mortals.
PONGGAL GAINING POPULARITY
An earthenware pot manufacturer, Reguraj Devaraja, 37, said the demand for earthenware pots increased after the festival was promoted by the government.
“Increasingly, more non-Tamils are taking an interest in this colourful festival. This is due to the promotional efforts undertaken by the federal government to emphasise the 1Malaysia spirit,” he said.
A FAMILY TRADITION
Reguraj’s shop is located close to the border of Penang and Perak. His shop has the necessary facilities to manufacture earthenware pots. He has four employees.
According to Reguraj, about 300 earthenware pots of various sizes are produced daily. The cost of an earthenware pot is between RM3 and RM15, depending on its size.
If a pot needs to be decorated, it will cost RM2.00 more. Decorated pots are also in demand, said Reguraj, whose ancestors were also involved in the production of earthenware pots.
“Many people order earthenware pots one month in advance. They are happy with our products and services. Pot making skills have been passed down from generations,” said Reguraj.
He pointed out that small pots weighing 100g and 200g were the preferred choice for families living in towns. Big pots are high in demand in estates, where Ponggal is celebrated on a large scale.
“Although there are some differences between the way Ponggal was celebrated in the past and the way it is celebrated today, traditions, culture and beliefs remain the same,” he said.
POT MAKING REQUIRES PATIENCE
Reguraj said he is passionate about making pots. He also fulfils the needs of the Indian community in Malaysia.
“I learnt pot making techniques from my father when I was eight. I was always interested in making pots,” he said.
Making pots is not easy. It requires patience.
One of the employees at the shop, M. Muranagatham, 40, from India, said pot making requires patience, an eye for detail and immense interest.
“This work calls for patience and nimble hands. Hands can’t be too soft or too strong,” said Muranagatham, who has been making pots for seven years. – BERNAMA