Ponggal not religious festival, says Gobind


KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo has clarified that Ponggal is not a religious event or festival.

He said it is an event marking the celebrations of the harvest season, as well as success or abundance.

He noted that the festival has long been celebrated in Malaysia.

"It should be viewed as an event for our society to strengthen their ties, respect culture and promote unity and nation-building,” he said in his Twitter and Facebook postings on Wednesday (Jan 15).

He also said that the issue of a circular on Ponggal will be brought up to the Cabinet on Wednesday.

Ponggal is celebrated for four days beginning from the first day of ‘Thai’ month in the Tamil calendar, as a form of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest.- Bernama

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

Melaka polls: Bersama eyes 15% Melaka vote share, Rafizi warns against political gimmicks
Over 1,000 private vans suspected of carrying students illegally in Kelantan
Nilai cops probe incident of boy falling after clinging to moving vehicle
Najib's lawyers to meet High Court judge to discuss house arrest dispute
SUV ferrying Najib leaves Kajang Prison, heads to KL court
Court sets Dec 18 for case management of three Myanmar boys in criminal intimidation case
Paya Terubong landslide: Residents of four affected house yet to be allowed home
Melaka polls: Don't support any party blindly, lawyer Ang tells Chinese voters
Pharmacists want clear timeline for nationwide vape ban
Melaka polls: PN first-timer buoyed by grassroots response in Bukit Katil

Air Pollutant Index

Note: API is calculated based on 24hr running average of the most dominant parameter.

Highest API Readings

    Select State and Location to view the latest API reading

    Others Also Read