Pongal is one of the famous cultural festival celebrated by Indians. It is a traditional harvest festival. Typically observed in mid-January, Pongal marks a time of gratitude for the bountiful harvest and is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. The festival spans four days, with the main day, also called Pongal, involving the ceremonial boiling of freshly harvested rice and jaggery in earthen pots until it overflows, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. This year Pongal falls on the 15th January 2024, Monday.
As a meaningful endeavor to uplift the community spirit during the festive celebration, the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, situated in Taman Batu Untong, Selangor, has undertaken a commendable initiative. The temple has distributed Pongal pots, along with essential items required for the Pongal celebration, to the residents in the surrounding community. This thoughtful gesture not only reflects the temple’s commitment to fostering a sense of unity and support but also underscores its dedication to actively participating in and contributing to the well-being of the local community during this auspicious occasion.
The esteemed 80-year-old temple, located near Tanjung Sepat, hosted this noteworthy event last Saturday, on January 6, 2024. A total of 250 packs were distributed during this event, specifically targeting underprivileged families in the surrounding area. This marks the temple’s first foray into such a community-driven initiative, showcasing its commitment to philanthropy and support for those in need within the local community. The community conveyed their gratitude to the temple management for their supportive endeavors. Additionally, thirteen elderly individuals, natives of the region, were honored during this event.
“We have organized this program for the first time, incorporating all the essential items for preparing Pongal, including jaggery, cashew nuts, and milk, along with the pots. The community expressed joy and gratitude upon receiving these items. We allocated RM15,000 for this initiative. People from estates in the surrounding areas such as Batu Untong, Gadang, and others received these items,” said Mr. Nadaraja, the chairman of the temple.
Furthermore, the temple has committed to making this initiative an annual event, demonstrating its enduring dedication to community service beyond its religious role. By extending support during festive seasons, temples play a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of the community. This commitment reflects a broader understanding of temples as not only places of worship but also as vital contributors to the overall welfare and happiness of the community they serve.
Source: RTM TV Tamil Seithigal
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