THIS year’s Tamil New Year was a special one for V. Raja Selan as it was the first time that he welcomed the festival with his grandson.
Early in the morning, the 59-year-old proud grandfather had taken two-year-old D. Dhiyaan Dev along to the Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam temple in Johor Baru.
“Tamil New Year, which usually falls on April 14, is a very important festival for Tamils worldwide.
“And this year’s festival is especially meaningful because it is the first time that I have come to the temple with my grandson,” he said.
Raja Selan was grateful that his eldest daughter and son-in-law, who live in Kuala Lumpur, could return to Johor Baru to usher in the new year.
“Last year, they couldn’t come back due to work commitments.
“So, I’m glad that they could make it this year,” he added.
Raja Selan was among dozens of worshippers at the temple in Jalan Ungku Puan.
The father-of-three said the family had started their celebration the previous night with a cleansing ceremony at home.
“This new year holds deep meaning for us, and we pray that everyone will be in good health.
“We also pray for a successful year ahead and overall well-being for our family,” he added.
Security officer A. Thilaga said she and her husband were thrilled to be able to take a break from work and enjoy the festival together.
“There were years when we had to work on Tamil New Year but even then, we made it a point to visit the temple later in the day,” she recalled.
Thilaga, who works in Singapore, said she had begun her day early with some prayers at home.
She hung fresh mango leaves at the entrance of her house for good luck and to symbolise a fresh start.
“We also gathered items such as flowers, turmeric, milk, a mirror and other symbolic things to set a positive tone for the year ahead.
“I pray that my family continues to be blessed with happiness, good health and prosperity,” said the mother of one.
Just steps away from the Hindu temple, some 1,300 people from the Sikh community celebrated Vaisakhi at the Gurdwara Sahib Johor Baru.
Vaisakhi, on April 14, is one of the most important festivals for the community, the gurdwara’s president Dr Sarjit Singh said.
“It marks the beginning of the harvest season.
“Vaisakhi is also the anniversary of the day that the Khalsa Panth was founded by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th guru, in 1699,” he explained.
Dr Sarjit added that the celebration was observed with prayers, kirtan (devotional singing) and the raising of the Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag).
