Ponggal is one of the auspicious Hindu festival. It is grandly celebrated by farmers welcoming a new beginning with their harvest season. Bhogi is celebrated on the eve of Ponggal where we burn the unwanted or old things at our home. This is also symbolised as leaving or bad, evil thoughts and having only good and positive thoughts to bring along. Pongal is observed for three days from 14th to 16th January 2025. The first day is called Thai Ponggal, second day is Maattu Ponggal and third day is Kaanum Ponggal. To make the commemoration even merrier, there is a National Unity Ponggal Festival 2025 to take place at Batu Caves on January 19th 2025 from 3.30pm onwards.
Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam, Kuala Lumpur in collaboration with Malaysia Council of Hindu Temples and Hindu Associations(MAHIMA) organising this event. There are many activties, competition with prizes prepared for this festival.
Competitions such as pot breaking (Uriyadithal), modern Jallikattu, slow cycling, and garland making are set to take place. The winners will receive cash prizes of RM300 for first place, RM200 for second place, and RM100 for third place. Similarly, the thoranam weaving competition offers a first prize of RM200, a second prize of RM150, and a third prize of RM50.
In the colouring competition, the first prize is RM150, the second prize is RM100, and the third prize is RM50. Additionally, the team competition of the greasy pole climbing(vazhukku maram yeruthal) competition offers a grand prize of RM1001 for the winning team.
Similarly, in the tug-of-war competition, the winning team will be awarded RM500, while the runner-up team will receive RM300. Anyone interested in participating in these competitions can register on the day of the National Unity Ponggal Festival 2025.
Source: Vanakkam Malaysia
