Out with the old: Dancers performing a village folk dance that culminates in the celebration of Ponggal.
CENTRAL Market Kuala Lumpur organised a Ponggal cultural celebration for the first time at the outdoor stage to showcase the festival’s customs and rituals.
Ponggal, which means “boiling over” in Tamil, is a celebration of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. It is celebrated mostly in South India, where farming is the main economic activity.
Visitors and shoppers were treated to a feast of colours and sounds at the event which also featured music and dance.
They also got to try traditional Indian snacks and sweets such as vadai, murukku, payasam and Ponggal rice.
Central Market Kuala Lumpur complex manager Cheong Wai Mun said the event gave visitors the opportunity to witness the significant rituals and customs of the harvest celebration.
“They are experiencing the beautiful customs and traditions of the Indian community in Malaysia.
“As part of our commitment to the development and preservation of Malaysian culture and arts, Central Market Kuala Lumpur will strive to highlight what is unique about the country, especially its culture, customs and heritage.
“We hope to have more opportunities to promote Malaysia’s identity to attract local and foreign visitors,’’ she said.
The celebration included a live cooking demonstration with the customary boiling over of the milk.
For details on other events, visit: http://centralmarket.com.my/ or https://www.facebook.com/centralmarketkualalumpur
