KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian Hindus will celebrate Pongal, the harvest festival, on January 14, marking a time to give thanks for a bountiful harvest and seek blessings for prosperity. Hindu Sangam president T. Ganesan highlighted that this year’s celebration aligns with the Sun God’s transition from Sagittarius to Capricorn (Makara Sankranti), a celestial event occurring at 3.11 pm Malaysian time.

Pongal rituals are to be observed during auspicious times—7.30 am to 10 am and 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm—on the festival day. The traditional Pongal dish, a sweet rice pudding made with freshly harvested rice, milk, and jaggery, will be prepared, prayers will be offered to the Sun God, and homes will be decorated with kolam designs.

The four-day celebration begins with Bhogi (Jan 13), which symbolizes renewal and the discarding of old items. Thai Pongal (Jan 14) marks the main festival, while Mattu Pongal (Jan 15) honors cows, and Kanni Pongal (Jan 16) focuses on prayers for unmarried women.

Though Pongal in Malaysia is now more community-oriented, with a focus on inclusivity, many Tamil families in places like Sekinchan still maintain agricultural traditions linked to the festival.