SwarnaBumiputran of Malaysia
Last year, we had the International Ponggal Festival at KL Tower organised by Putera MIC and attended by Samy Vellu. There was also Ponggal celebrations at Bukit Bintang, attended by PM Badawi.
How would it be this year since its not an election year?
Just two more days and I don’t hear any advertisements on national Ponggal celebrations. Anyone with more details?
Killer says:
Let me be frank here…I always failed to understand the hype over the Ponggal celebrations. I have noted that in the last 10 years or so, with the increased wealth Malaysian Indians have been rather over-elaborate in their celebration. In those days it was just a low key affair but lately this has been celebrated in a grander scale. But it really escapes me why would we celebrate a harvest festival when we are no longer in agriculture industry. Some of my staff and friends actually take leave or dress up in traditional dresses on that day.
If only we could show the same spirit in education or self improvement…
poobalan says:
While I understand your call for the same spirit/enthusiasm to be shown in education etc., I think that one should not let go of their culture. Yup, as more Indians see an increase on income, they start to celebrate functions in a bigger scale. Nothing wrong in that as long there’s self-discipline. Also, I think its a way to reaffirm our roots, similar to other races/civilizations. As families grow apart and people are drowning in the fast lane of development, we need these kind of activities to foster a relationship with those around us.
The harvest festival is the reason for celebration, but the whole point is just like Thanksgiving. We thank God in the form of nature for allowing a good yield and harvest. While we are not doing agriculture now, we should still thank God for allowing all farmers to enjoy good yield. At least be thankful we have food on our tables due the agriculture industry’s existence.
Myself not sure about taking leave. I may go to KL Tower to attend the National Ponggal Celebrations.
VJ says:
Agree with you MP .
In those days in TamilNadu , Ponggal was celebrated as harvest festival. It’s also known as
‘ulavar thirunaal’ . ‘maattu ponggal’ celebrated even more energetically in Tamilnadu which i
have witnessed before .
In modern days it’s still celebrated but in way of thanking God for the food that we have .
There are folks whom argue Ponggal is Tamilan culture rather than Hindu culture .
But , logically it’s celebrated by Hindus .
The way i look at it , it’s part of Hindu/Tamil culture and so no reason for us to
compromise in anyway . Even if you are in USA , you still can celebrate . In fact
there’re Tamil folks whom celebrating over there .
After all , how many festivals in a year that we have do argue…..
Happy Ponggal !