Pongal is a traditional harvest festival celebrated by Indians. The festival typically takes place in mid-January and marks the auspicious beginning of the Thai month in the Tamil calendar. Pongal is a four-day-long celebration that holds great cultural significance and is observed with enthusiasm and fervor by people of Tamil descent around the world. This year Pongal falls on 15th January 2024(Monday).
Previously, the Malaysia Hindu Sangam provided the auspicious timings for performing the Pongal ritual. It has been a customary practice among Indians to carefully observe these timings and ensure that the ritual is conducted within the specified periods. In that case, earlier Malaysia Hindu Sangam had stated that the auspicious time for ritual is:
Morning: 7.26am – 11.26am
Afternoon: 2.30pm – 5pm
Evening: After 7pm
However, the association issued an update yesterday regarding a correction in the timing. The announcement acknowledged an error in the previously stated schedule and provided revised timings for the cultural festival. The updated timing as follows:
Morning: 7.00am – 8.30am
: 10.25am – 11.52am
Afternoon: 2.30pm – 4.00pm
These are the revised auspicious timings provided by the Malaysia Hindu Sangam. Nonetheless, the association emphasized that preparing Pongal in the morning is deemed auspicious.
Eve of Pongal(14th January 2024) is Bhogi day. This day is dedicated to discarding old and unwanted items, symbolizing the cleansing of one’s life. Houses are cleaned, and people get rid of old belongings to welcome the new. ‘Thai Pongal’, celebrated on 15th January 2024 is the main day of the festival where the special Pongal dish is prepared. Families gather to cook the dish and offer it to the Sun, expressing gratitude for a bountiful harvest. The act of boiling over represents the overflowing of happiness and prosperity. The next day,(16th January 2024 is ‘Maattu Pongal’. This day is dedicated to the worship of cattle, particularly cows and bulls, which play a crucial role in agriculture. The final day is ‘Kaanum Pongal’, celebrated on 17th January 2024. The fourth and final day involves family outings and visits to friends and relatives. This day is also addressed as “Kanni Pongal“.
The Malaysia Hindu Sangam has thoughtfully provided revised auspicious timings for Pongal, rectifying an earlier error. Emphasizing the auspiciousness of preparing Pongal in the morning, individuals are encouraged to take note of these updated timings. May this guidance contribute to a harmonious and prosperous celebration. Have a blessed Pongal!
Source: Malaysia Hindu Sangam Facebook
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