Miri Hindu Society celebrates Pongal

MIRI: Hindu devotees of Sri Kamini Durga Eswari Amman Temple at Taman Tunku, under the Miri Hindu Society ( MHS) celebrated the harvest festival of Pongal recently.

Over 150 members of the society with family members participated in the rituals of Pongal at the temple.

MHS chairman Selvaraj Grapragasem inaugurated the festival while secretary Subhasinidid gave the welcoming address at the gathering. Selvaraj said the celebration held on a small scale and in urban setting was a joyous occasion where devotees work as one big family to ensure the celebration and rituals were faithfully carried out.

“The committee members of the society provided the necessary facilities. Indian employees of Zefas Sdn Bhd sponsored breakfast and lunch for devotees and participants,” said Selvaraj yesterday.

According to Selvaraj, Pongal, a harvest festival, is one of the major Indian festivals celebrated from Jan 14 to 17.

“The term ‘ Pongal’ is a Tamil word which means ‘overflowing’, this festival implying the overflowing of good wishes, affluence, wealth, and prosperity among the people.

“During this festival, crops like rice, sugarcane and turmeric are harvested in the field. On this occasion, people give thanks to nature, especially to Suriya Bhagavan ( Sun God) for an abundant harvest,” he said.

Traditionally, this harvest festival is celebrated for four days — the celebration and rituals called Bhogi, Surya Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Kaanum Pongal.

Bhogi is celebrated on the first day to honour Lord Indra for providing rain for crops and survival of creatures. At that time, unnecessary household items are thrown into a holy bonfire.

On the second day, or Surya Pongal, a special ritual of ‘ Thai Pongal’ is devoted to the Sun God for blessing living things on the Earth. On that day, rice and milk are boiled in an earthen pot to which a turmeric plant is tied. Sugarcane, coconut and banana are offered to the Sun God.

Another important activity on that day is preparing multicoloured kolam.

Mattu Pongal is held on the third day of the festival specially for cows and to worship Lord Shiva, who provided countless cattle to the Earth. The cow is considered a sacred animal, as it provides humans with milk as sustenance besides helping with agricultural activities.

The last day of the festival is called Kaanum Pongal, where women of the household celebrate the ritual for their brothers, asking for prosperity. This is the time for reunion of families and friends to exchange love and affection, with brothers paying special tribute to their married sisters.