Up close and personal: Children dressed in their colourful clothes petting a bull at the Mattu Ponggal celebration at SJK (T) Ramakrishna in Penang. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: S. Ashvinthran’s family make their living by selling milk, and have about 30 cattle in their little farm in Air Itam.
While the cows provide the milk, the bulls are often “rented out” to pull bullock carts and chariots at events and festivals.
Yesterday, though, the animals had no work. Instead, they were feted.
They were bathed, anointed with turmeric and decorated with painted horns and fresh flowers. They were also fitted with ornamental decorations.
It was Mattu Ponggal – the third day of the Ponggal festivities and a day dedicated to cows.
“It is all about them. We give thanks for everything they do for us,” said Ashvinthran.
“We then have a small prayer, offering our respects to the cattle and the place where they are kept.”
Traditional designs were drawn in the pen, using natural coloured powders to enhance the festive atmosphere. Three pots of sweet ponggal rice were also prepared, with milk, jaggery, and other traditional ingredients, specifically for the cows.
“It is the same thing we had a day earlier but this batch is cooked entirely for the cows.
“Traditionally, bulls used to plough the fields while cows provided milk. The rice from the fields and the milk are used to prepare ponggal.
“We are grateful to both today so we celebrate and thank them,” he said during the Ponggal celebrations at SJK (T) Ramakrishna here yesterday.
Ashvinthran said that in Malaysia, bulls are mainly used for chariot-pulling and festival-related activities.
“We provide them for Thaipusam chariot processions and for bullock carts used during school celebrations and public events,” he said.
Canteen operator K. Vino, 39, said the experience was valuable as such sights are uncommon for children today.
“Mattu Ponggal is all about honouring cattle, and this is a meaningful way to introduce the festival to students,” she said.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who attended the event, announced RM80,000 in funding for the school.
He said RM50,000 would be used for teaching and learning purposes, including the construction of two classrooms expected to be completed within two months, and an additional RM30,000 for school development.
Jelutong MP RSN Rayer thanked the state and Federal governments for their continued support.
