By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
SHAH ALAM, Feb 12 — The state-level Ponggal celebration on the grounds of the Sri Swarna Maha Mariamman Alayam Temple in Taman Sri Muda was attended by over 1,500 members of the Indian community.
Selangor Special Committee for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (Limas) co-chairman V. Ganabatirau said the celebration has encouraged the sense of unity (muhibbah) in society, as well as strengthen the bonds of harmony.
“In 2020, the Ponggal festival was celebrated online due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but after two years of doing so, we have organised a very lively one this time with various programmes.
“In conjunction with this Ponggal, let us sow the spirit of unity among our multiracial community, by emphasising noble values,” he said after officiating the celebration yesterday.
As the state executive councillor for caring government, Ganabatirau said the RM90,000 allocated for Ponggal for a two-year period will be used for food baskets.
“We have used the allocation for food baskets, which will be distributed to the needy via the Indian community leaders.
“As such, we have never wasted the aid that has been allocated to the Indian community, which indicates the state government is always attentive and concerned to its needs,” he said.
The state-level Ponggal celebration took place in three locations this year, including the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at Lot 19472, Jalan 1b Taman Muhibah in Rawang on January 21, and Padang Seksyen 1 Bandar Rinching in Semenyih on January 28.
