Devotees taking part in the ponggal- making competition at the Sri Muniswarar Temple in Jalan Baru, Prai, near Butterworth.
AFTER a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ponggal harvest festival was celebrated in temples all over the country.
The event was celebrated for the 10th time at the Sri Muniswarar Temple in Jalan Baru, Prai, in Penang on Sunday with about 500 people in attendance.
The guests of honour were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who is also the Batu Kawan MP, and his deputy Dr P. Ramasamy.
The event was jointly organised by the Batu Kawan parliamentary constituency and the Sri Muniswarar Temple.
A host of events such as a Ponggal-making competition, colouring contest for children, kolam-making competition were organised by the temple.
Chow, in his speech, said the Ponggal festival at the temple was one of the biggest he had the opportunity to witness.”
“Penang is a fantastic state and is blessed with so many NGOs (non-governmental organisations) that are working together with the government.”
Chow said the government’s agenda was to bring peace, harmony and development to benefit its citizens.
He said no government would be able to do that without the assistance of NGOs.
Chow was then invited to give the temple’s contributions to several Hindu temples, organisations and individuals.
Among them were Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Ladang Prye (RM30,000), Penang Hindu Association (RM12,000), Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple, Ladang Kerian Bukit Panchor, Nibong Tebal (RM10,000), Hindu Dharma Mamandram Bukit Mertajam’s ladies wing (RM5,000), Penang’s Hindu Dharma Mamandram (RM5,000), SMK Perai’s PIBG (RM3,000). Thirteen students each received RM1,000 under a study grant.
Individuals who had performed outstanding services received plaques and were bestowed with garlands and silk shawls by Chow on behalf of the temple.
They were Penang Hindu Association president P. Murugiah, Pothu Bajanai group leader T. Ramachandran, Hindu Dharma Mandaram member Raja Lekchimi and SJK (T) Mak Mandin former headmaster K. Rajamanickam.
Among those present were Bagan Dalam assemblyman M. Satees, Sri Muniswarar Temple president M. Segaran, temple vice-chairman T. Veeriah, former temple president Datuk K. Arunasalam, former temple president Datuk Seri N. Gobalakrishnan, who is now the temple trustee and also the Malaysian Indian Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, Seberang Prai city councillor David Marshel and Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation deputy chairman Datuk Seri K. Pulayantran.
