Ponggal festival: Time with family while fulfilling religious obligation

SEREMBAN: Hindu devotees in Seremban who were celebrating the Ponggal (harvest festival) took the opportunity to spend time with family and loved ones, apart from fulfilling religious obligations.
Housewife B. Mariama said the celebration which started yesterday commenced with the ritual of burning unused items to eliminate all bad memories, which is performed together by the family.
"As early as 4am yesterday, we started burning unused items such as old clothes and furniture, and this act symbolises the cleansing of our hearts from jealousy, envy and so forth.
"About seven this morning, together with my husband and two children, we performed prayers and in the evening, my family will go to the temple, as well," she told Bernama, here today.
Meanwhile, taxi driver V. Ajay, 34, said his busy schedule was not an obstacle for him to celebrate this year's Ponggal festival with his family.
"Although I am busy, important things like prayers and spending time with my family are still priority. This evening, I will be at home with my family to welcome this auspicious time," he said. — Bernama