GEORGE TOWN: It was 10am and in the cool corridor of the Nattukotai Chettiar Temple on Jalan Kebun Bunga here, and M. Priyashini and her three children were lighting oil lamps.
Around her, many more were doing the same, as well as offering prayers with fruits, garlands and delicacies.
Chithirai Puthandu was celebrated in a big way at the temple.
Priyashini sees it as an ideal time to pass down values and traditions to the next generation.
“Celebrating the festival allows us to uphold cultural traditions while embracing the importance of education and family values.
“It presents an opportunity to teach the next generation about heritage and harmony,” said the 40-year-old housewife, who was there with her husband M. Mathiraj 41, and her three children – Rakshaanraj Mathiraj, 12, Simrritashini Mathiraj, seven, and Praneethashini Mathiraj, three.
The couple also prayed for Malaysia to remain peaceful and harmonious for people of all backgrounds.
“It is important for our children to grow up in a country where respect and compassion are part of daily life,” she said.
Mathiraj, a factory supervisor, said visiting the temple has long been a family tradition to mark the celebration.
Chithirai Puthandu is the first day of the year on the Tamil solar calendar. It marks the first day of the Tamil month Chithirai and falls on or around April 14 annually. The new year – in a cycle of 60 years – is called Visuvaavasu.
Technician S. Munisvaran, 53, and his wife NT Kasthury, 52, were also seen lighting an oil lamp while praying at the temple.
Munisvaran said he and his wife prayed for a healthy and prosperous life for their family, as they do every year.
“We also prayed for the country to move forward with wisdom and unity, where people of all backgrounds can live together with dignity and respect,” he said.
Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram Penang branch chairman Thanabalan Nanda Kumar said the Tamil New Year is traditionally marked by home and temple prayers, house cleaning and preparing special dishes – all symbolising renewal and new beginnings.
“Families cook dishes like mango pachadi – which blends sweet, sour and bitter flavours to reflect life’s emotions – and seek blessings from elders,” he said.
“With awareness, kindness and resilience, any year can be meaningful.
“My hope is for peace, unity and joy in life’s simple moments,” he added.
