Selangor Journal: A different Ponggal, MB says bright future lies ahead

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SHAH ALAM, Jan 14 — The Ponggal festival is celebrated differently in Malaysia this year following the country’s fight against Covid-19, says Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.

In a statement today, Amirudin said the cooperation from all parties in facing the pandemic will result in a more positive outcome and a brighter future for all.

“Just as the phrase that is used when celebrating Ponggal goes: ‘Thai piranthal vazhi pirakkum’, which means a bright future will arrive after the Thai month, the tenth month according to the Tamil calendar, I believe with the joint cooperation and shared responsibility (from everyone), a more positive future is right ahead of us.

“The festival that is being celebrated differently this time may bring a slightly different meaning to ensure that we continue to stay strong so that our friends and family will remain safe from the threat of the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said in the statement.

Amirudin said Ponggal, which means ‘boiling’ and ‘overflowing’, represents an important festival for the Tamil community regardless of their religious beliefs.

“On behalf of the Selangor government, I hereby wish Ungalkum Ungal Kudumbatinnarkum Iniya Pongal Vazthukkal to the Tamil community in Selangor and Malaysia who celebrate this festival,” he said.

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