Ponggal Thanksgiving

Ponggal is a festival celebrated by the Indian community in Malaysia either at the temple or at home. It is a harvest festival giving thanks to the Sun God in appreciation of an abundant harvest.

Plain clay pots or gaily decorated clay pots are used and these are quickly snatched up by the women who usually prepare the ingredients and rice to be used.

Sweetened rice is cooked together with milk, raisins, cashew nuts, jaggery and spices in a clay pot and the milk is allowed to boil over. This signifies happiness and prosperity for the family.

Sugar cane and fresh fruit also feature in this festival which will be celebrated in two days' time.